Maravi

(HERALD) Farmers need inputs on time

Farmers need inputs on time

A reduction in agricultural production can be attributed to two major factors: shortage of essential inputs and unfavourable rainfall patterns. And while the forecast of good rains alone brings excitement to farmers, the rains can only be meaningful if supported by the timely distribution of such inputs as seed and fertilizer.

To this end, one of the critical factors underpinning the success of the Government’s Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme is attaining food security at household level.

A shortage of food will mean that the country has to import to meet the deficit and this has an impact on the economic revival plan as funds earmarked for other commitments will be diverted towards food imports.

In past farming seasons, the major challenge has been general scarcity of seed and fertilizers coupled with late distribution of the inputs.

The result has been poor yield and reduced production.

It is against this background that we should start formulating a plan for meeting the emerging needs for the 2009/2010 cropping season to avert a food deficit.

Thus preparation for the 2009/2010 cropping season should start now.

We should begin with the mobilisation of key farming inputs — seed and fertilizer in support of disadvantaged farmers particularly those in the rural areas.

Co-operating partners including non-governmental organisations have already pledged to complement Government’s efforts through the crop input pack scheme, where farmers will receive seed packs and fertilizers.

We currently have a clear case in this year’s winter wheat where we have failed to prepare.

Despite coming up with clear strategies on paper, the situation on the ground regarding our winter crop is quite sad and this means that we should brace ourselves for wheat imports.

The same can actually happen for the 2009/2010 summer cropping season if there is no adequate preparation.

We re-emphasise the fact that it is important to start mobilising inputs now.

Preparatory activities involve the provision of key inputs — seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and equipment that would be essential for production.

This should ensure not only the timely availability of such inputs but also the access of farmers to these inputs.

But there will also be cases where some farmers on the support programme will not produce the desirable crop yields inspite of a favourable rainfall pattern.

In such circumstances, Government should deploy extension workers to not only monitor the farmers, but also teach them methods of good returns on their crop, which will in turn reflect the equivalent of the support they will have received.

Another worrying thing as experience has shown in the past is that some unscrupulous farmers resell the inputs for their personal ulterior motives.

However, we are confident that if there are adequate inputs, farmers will take advantage of Government goodwill and use the opportunity to its fullest by producing more.

Abuse will not happen if inputs reach all corners of the country in time.

We should strive to stick to our strategies as lined up to ensure that the country records a higher yield next year and help boost economic growth.

Efficiency should be the catchword in the distribution of inputs as there is no more time for delays.

Farmers need to have all the inputs at their farms ready for planting.

Labels: AGRICULTURE

posted by MrK @ 7:44 PM