The Sunday Mail
Thousands of farmers from across the country are expected to converge in Harare this week to register for the US$2,4 billion agriculture input support scheme introduced by Zanu-PF and Lasch Enterprises last month.
The scheme, which is receiving support from various Government ministries and is also covered by leading insurance companies, aims to benefit 800 000 farmers.
Mr Tapiwa Zengeya, one of the officials running the programme, said farmers were expected to start accessing loan forms tomorrow.
He said those who access inputs worth less than US$3 000 will not be asked to produce collateral while packages above this amount will attract stringent requirements, including collateral.
He added that beneficiaries will not receive money, but will get Government and financial institution guarantees to access seed, fertilisers, chemicals and livestock inputs from manufacturers.
The programme is in line with the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, which, among other targets, aims to ensure household and national food security and nutrition.
“The revolving fund will ensure farmers access inputs on time. Our aim is to improve productivity and ensure food security so that the country stops importing maize,” he said.
“Farmers will not get cash but inputs because we have learnt from previous projects that some people abuse loans and will not be able to repay.
“We urge farmers to repay loans so that the money circulates to enable future borrowing. Non-repayment of loans has hampered many promising projects in the country.”
