Command Agric inputs distribution gets underway

INPUTS distribution for Command Agriculture and the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme is underway and farmers should have all their requirements by September 1, Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking after touring the ARDA Antelope Estate in Maphisa and Matopos Research in Matabeleland South province yesterday, he said Government had overcome the challenges encountered last season.

“Last year we decided to introduce the Command Agriculture in August and September and we were out of time, but we did what we could,” he said.

“This time we were able to plan in advance. We have already received the inputs for summer. We already have inputs distribution.”

For Matabeleland South, Acting President Mnangagwa said, Government had already identified the hectarage to be put under Command Agriculture.

“We also have identified the amount of seed required in all these areas because distribution is happening now,” he said. “The statistics are there, the quantities are there and the distribution has begun now.

“These quantities and these inputs are going to be used in September and we also believe that by end of September every province, every district, will already have the inputs distributed because we know what is required and what hectarage is available.”

Acting President Mnangagwa said Government had so far registered 25 736 farmers for Command Agriculture in the 2017-18 season on 112 233 hectares for maize production.

A further 2 246 farmers have also registered to plant soyabeans on 19 173ha.

Acting President Mnangagwa reiterated his call for villagers to take advantage of the Presidential Input Support Scheme which is targeting 1,8 million families.

“In the previous season (2015), we had US$15 million, then we increased it to US$30 million in the 2016-2017 season, but we have more than tripled the amount to US$147 million this season,” he said.

“The villagers should know that these inputs will not be paid for like the Command Agriculture programme because they are free.”

Acting President Mnangagwa said villagers who were interested in producing soyabeans would get 10kg of seed and the necessary inputs.

He hailed the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority board and management for performing beyond expectations.

“Two years ago, we were around 250 hectares now we are at 750ha and those with good memories will remember that I said we want, at four seasons, we must be at 1 000 hectares,” said Acting President Mnangagwa.

“And this is only the second season and I believe we shall meet our goal. By this time next year, I think we shall be at 1 000 hectares here at ARDA Antelope.”

ARDA Antelope, which was almost derelict, has turned around its fortunes, producing 4 416 tonnes of maize from 480ha planted last season with an average yield of 9,2 tonnes/ha.

The estate has also cleared 750ha for winter wheat with an expected yield of 6,2 tonnes/ha.

Acting President Mnangagwa challenged other provinces to emulate what was happening in Matabeleland South, saying time would come when there would be competition on food production.

He said Government had installed driers and silos at ARDA Antelope because of the increased production at the estate to ensure smooth transition from maize to wheat.

ARDA, Acting President Mnangagwa said, was fulfilling President Mugabe’s pronounced 10-Point Plan for economic development.

Acting President Mnangagwa, who heads the Food Security and Nutrition Cluster under the Zim-Asset Policy Document, is visiting all the provinces to assess agricultural productivity.