Chipinge distributes Command inputs

PREPARATIONS for the 2017-18 Command Agriculture Programme in Chipangayi area of Middle Sabi in Chipinge are on course, with inputs already being availed by the Government and its partners ahead of the onset of the rains.

Mr James Mbeure, who is in charge of Command Agriculture in Chipangayi and Chisumbanje, said they started receiving inputs last month.

“Inputs came in early September for the summer cropping season,” he said.

“This year’s Command Agriculture is focusing on soyabeans and maize. 328 hectares were set aside for maize and 882 hectares is for soyabeans.

“Chisumbanje has come in with 38ha and these are interesting times as the citizenry now wants the nation’s food capacity to be rejuvenated after years of drought and other causes of failure to be food sufficient.’’

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Middle Sabi Depot is now a hive of activity as farmers access inputs, while some are delivering their maize harvest.

One of the farmers, Mr Benny Zambuko, said: “I had a late crop due to a shortage of tractors which affected the tillage programme, but I can’t complain. I will salvage something from my 20 hectares. I am glad that Government has embarked on the soyabeans project which I will join heartily.’’

There were challenges with the first instalment of the programme, but the co-ordinators have since plugged the loopholes to make the second phase a success.

‘’There were challenges related to old pumps which constantly broke down, but when the wheat programme started, most pumps were operational,” said Mr Didymus Nyaumwe, a local farmer.