The Sunday Mail
Livingstone Marufu Sunday Mail Reporter
Banks should ensure that farmers access the US$1 billion facility set aside for summer cropping in time, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Mr Wonder Chabikwa has said. In an interview with The Sunday Mail he said, “We are all waiting for this US$1 billion scheme to take off so that we start preparing for the season which is fast approaching.
“We hope the funds will be disbursed in time to enable farmers to carefully prepare for the short season ahead. If we do not make use of the first rains, all our hopes will be dashed.
“Had things been moving smoothly, farmers would have tilled their land and bought inputs by now. However, very few farmers have achieved that. This is the major reason why we are looking forward to that facility.”
Last week, banks set aside funds to support summer cropping. The Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe and Government are currently in discussions to come up with a formula on how to distribute the money.
A chunk of the US$1 billion will go towards strategic crops and livestock, with input producers also expected to benefit.
“Tobacco farmers have done an excellent job. As we speak, much of their irrigated tobacco is already in the soil. However, food crop producers are yet to cover significant ground in planting.
“We appreciate that the Meteorological Services Department forecasted early that there will be a very short rain season. We now know which varieties to plant and which not to. With that information, the farmers have a headstart,” Mr Chabikwa said.
A chunk of the US$1 billion will go towards strategic crops and livestock, with input producers also expected to benefit.
