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(HERALD) ‘No funds available for wheat farmers’

‘No funds available for wheat farmers’
Agriculture Editor
Saturday, 07 May 2011 23:09 Agriculture

THE Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) has unveiled an input support scheme for wheat producers in a move expected to help boost the winter cropping season.

In an interview last week, ZCFU chief economist Mr Peter Gambara said his union introduced the facility after its members failed to access Government-subsidised inputs.

He said the organisation and local fertiliser and seed manufacturers signed a memorandum of understanding under which the inputs would be supplied on credit. The respective union members — who are expected to pay US$20 per hectare — have already begun accessing the inputs. The union is also expected to assess the equipment on the prospective beneficiaries’ properties at a cost of US$100 per member.

“It is worrying that challenges crop up every season,” he said.

“We do not know where things are going wrong. We are in mid-May and preparations should be on course.

“However, farmers lack working capital.’’
Farmers need working capital to purchase inputs and prepare land. However, most financial institutions tasked to provide such funding are yet to do so.

To compound the problem, Government-subsidised inputs that were supposed to have been dispensed by the Grain Marketing Board are not available.

The Agricultural Development Bank of Zimbabwe (Agribank) reportedly received US$30 million from Government to cater for the winter wheat programme.

The bank’s chief executive officer, Mr Sam Malaba, would not be drawn into revealing details about the disbursements.

However, insiders revealed that the funds were yet to be made available.

“We have not received any funds. All we have seen are Press reports about the funds,’’ said a source.

CBZ Bank also said it was yet to receive funds.

“We are yet to start disbursement because there is nothing we received for wheat production,’’ said an insider.

Farmers interviewed expressed fears that this season could be a complete disaster.

“The authorities are quite aware of the perennial challenges we face, but do not seem to correct them,” said Mr Timothy Mukonoweshuro, a Marondera farmer.

“All they do is blame farmers for failing to meet the planting deadlines.’’
A Bindura farmer, Mr Elliot Chimakure, said more was required to make the season a success.

“We have seen situations where funds are availed at the end of the season.
Where these funds will be, in the first place, is a question which no one has answered.

“All we hear are counter-accusations which do not help anyone.’’
Mr Chimakure added that incessant powercuts were also adversely affecting production.-The Sunday Mail

Labels: GRAIN MARKETING BOARD ZIMBABWE, WHEAT, ZCFU

posted by MrK @ 2:05 PM