Maravi

(ZIMPAPERS) 500-hectare potato project on cards

500-hectare potato project on cards
Sunday, 05 June 2011 00:46 Agriculture
by Emilia Zindi

THE Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) has embarked on a 500-hectare potato-growing project after most of its members failed to access inputs for the winter wheat farming season.

Most farmers opted not to grow wheat this winter after experiencing several challenges, chief among them inadequate funding and unreliable electricity supplies.
The potato project will see union members accessing inputs on credit with repayment expected soon after produce sales.

In an interview last week, ZCFU head of commodities Mr Michael Mubvuma said his union realised that farmers needed to substitute wheat for other cash produce that enables them to effectively utilise land during this season.

He said beneficiaries would receive 1,5 tonnes of compound C fertiliser per hectare, 400kg of sulphate or potash, and 200kg of ammonium nitrate.
He said they would also get two litres of dual herbicides per hectare.

“This is the first time we have come up with such a project. We are trying to provide inputs for farmers with projects that are of financial gain,’’ he said.

Mr Mubvuma said farmers were expected to harvest a yield of between eight and 10 tonnes per hectare.

Planting from next month onwards will ensure the potatoes survive the damaging mid-winter season frost.
“We are giving inputs for 500 hectares this season as this is the beginning of the project,” he said.

“Perhaps we will increase the hectarage in future once we see how successful this project will have been.’’

He added: “Disbursement of inputs will start this week as everything is now in place. We are looking at farmers who want to start on a small scale of between two and five hectares.”

Farmers who spoke to The Sunday Mail said the project was a milestone in promoting agriculture, given that most farmers were facing challenges.

“We appreciate the work the union is doing. This will enable us to utilise land at our disposal,’’ said Mr Zvikomborero Mombeshora of Selous.

Another farmer from Chinhoyi, Ms Elizabeth Mwendamberi, urged farmer unions to assist their respective members.

“Although it is the mandate of Government to come up with assistance for farmers, everyone must be seen to be playing a part in supporting strategic sectors such as agriculture,’’ she said.

Potato-growing has proved to be a profitable venture as the crop continues enjoying a huge market.

Labels: ZCFU

posted by MrK @ 3:44 PM