Access inputs early, farmers urged

FARMERS in Pemba have been advised to start depositing their K400 so that they can access the farming inputs on time.

Pemba District Commissioner (DC) Reginald Mugoba said each farmer was expected to deposit K400 to access seed, fertilisers and other inputs.

In an interview with the Daily Nation in Livingstone, Mr Mugoba said that accessing the inputs on time would help farmers plant in time.

He said in doing so, the district would record a good harvest provided there would be sufficient rain.

The DC said that the district has over 8,000 farmers who are expected to benefit from the FISP. "I am urging farmers in the district to start depositing their K400 for them to access the input pack. As you know, we have challenges of drought in this region. So, I am of the view that farmers should start depositing their monies on time," he said.

Mr Mugoba added that despite the dry spell the district experienced during the 2018/2019 farming season, he was confident there would be enough rain.

Meanwhile, the DC is concerned with the indiscriminate cutting down of trees for charcoal in the district.

Mr Mugoba said the trend was contributing the low levels of rainfall the district had been experiencing.

"Some years ago, we used to receive rains on October 24, but now it has changed to November and December maybe it might even go to January.

“I am calling upon the people in my district to stop the indiscriminate cutting down of trees because that is contributing to poor rainfall," he said.

“I am calling upon the people in my district to stop the indiscriminate cutting down of trees because that is contributing to poor rainfall,” - Mr Mugoba

I am calling upon the people in my district to stop the indiscriminate cutting down of trees because that is contributing to poor rainfall.