Staff Reporter
Farmers have applauded Government’s intensified efforts to facilitate access to affordable agricultural financing for farmers, demonstrating its commitment to improving the country's food security.
In different interviews with this publication, farmers have expressed joy after Government launched various agriculture financing initiatives under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), to provide farmers with funding that enables them to secure essential resources like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and machinery, thereby boosting productivity and profitability.
"There are four forms of financing models we can choose from. It's like having a buffet of opportunities. The choices include private sector financing, joint ventures, the National Enhanced Productivity Support Scheme (NEAPS), and the Presidential Inputs Scheme,” said a delighted farmer, Edmos Makanjera, from Masvingo Province.
“We are grateful for President ED Mnangagwa’s wisdom who introduced agricultural policies like Pfumvudza and Presidential Input Scheme, Despite the threat of El Niño, this season, we are food secure and our grain reserves are loaded to the bream, the President assured us that no one will die of hunger this season,” Makanjera added
Samuel Gafa, who is a long-time farmer from Nkayi in Matabeleland North, said that under the Presidential Inputs Scheme category, especially the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, Government was providing farmers with a much-needed lifeline.
"The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has been a boon for small-scale farmers like me, and we are sure that there will be no misuse of inputs as Government last month set up localised committees to supervise the accelerated distribution of farm inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme,” said Gafa
The Government has also extended limitless funding support through the State-owned AFC Holdings Bank, where farmers can secure different kinds of support, including procurement of farm equipment such tractors and centre pivots, and agricultural insurance.
"Thanks to AFC Holdings, I was able to secure a tractor for my farm. This has been a game-changer for my productivity," said Tendai Savanhu, a farmer from the Mashonaland Central Province.
Gafa added on, “The private sector too is stepping up, with multiple large contractors forming the Food Crops Contractors Association (FCCA), to aid farmers.
"The FCCA has provided us with the necessary support to grow our crops. We are no longer alone in this journey," he reiterated.
Moreso, the cotton marketing season, which ended on August 31 saw farmers delivering nearly 90 000 tonnes compared to 54 000 tonnes produced last year, and this increase was attributed to various agricultural initiatives by the Government among them, the Presidential Input Scheme.
