Online Reporter
Over three million households under the Presidential Inputs Scheme have completed preparations of their plots, with the farmers set to receive half of their inputs by the end of this month as the 2024/25 summer cropping begins.
Government will implement standard operating procedures to identify officials authorised to distribute the inputs across the country as part of measures to curb abuse of the inputs.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said: “Under the Presidential Input Schemes, 91 percent of the targeted 9.5 million plots have been prepared by 86 percent of the targeted 3.5 million households. All beneficiaries will receive 50 percent of their inputs by the 24th of November, 2024.
“Government has adopted additional measures to curb the abuse of inputs. The measures include the blacklisting of any official involved in input abuse, banning ward committees involved in inputs abuse and implementing an improved standard operating procedure with role clarity.”
The 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to increase production of cereals to 3 274 200 metric tonnes, against the 744 271 metric tonnes obtained during the 2023/2024 summer season.
Dr Muswere also said: “The National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme will establish a total of 52 500 hectares under maize, soya bean, traditional grains and sunflower, with a target to produce 256 000 metric tonnes.
“The private sector has also undertaken to fund the establishment of 95 046 hectares of maize, soya beans, potatoes, sugar beans and sunflowers. The ARDA facility will plant 100 000 hectares of maize and 50 000 hectares of traditional grains.
“The private sector support for cotton targets 418 800 farmers to plant 270 000 hectares under cotton. The targeted tobacco production for the 2024/2025 season is 300 million kilogrammes, and to date, over 117 000 growers have registered.”
