By a Correspondent
FARMERS in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and North have started receiving inputs ahead of the agricultural season as the government works towards boosting food security.
More than three million households nationwide are set to receive inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme.
The government is targeting 265 000 households in Matabeleland North, 100 000 farmers in Bulawayo and 140 000 households in Matabeleland South.
Most farmers in Matabeleland region are set to receive traditional grains in line with the government’s distribution plan informed by ecological regions.
They will receive pearl millet, sorghum, maize seed, African peas, sunflower and Compound D fertiliser.
Bulawayo and Matabeleland North acting provincial director for agricultural rural development services Dumisani Nyoni said:
“In earnest we started on Monday after receiving seed, all along we had fertiliser bulsan and top dresser. But from Monday we started receiving traditional grains and maize seed and that is when we started the distribution process,” said Mr Nyoni.
“We are giving those who have dug their holes in a minimum of three plots going to the target of five. As we have started receiving rains, farmers should ensure that they dig holes so that they can get inputs be it in rural areas or in town. We hope that those who are lagging behind if they see others receiving inputs, they can also be more involved,” he said.
Matabeleland South acting provincial director for agricultural rural development services in, Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said:
“We started distributing inputs in most of the districts last week. We have moved into the communities; the only limiting factor is transportation of inputs which is being done by the Grain Marketing Board. But in terms of readiness with land and farmer preparation we are at an advanced stage.
“With the Presidential Input scheme, we have gained traction. We are targeting all farming households, about 140 000 farming households.”
