Chiefs decry late inputs

TRADITIONAL leaders here have bemoaned the late distribution of some farming inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme which has resulted in late planting.

This comes as most communal and small-scale farmers are finding it hard to buy inputs on the open market following recent increase of prices.

Those who have planted are now worried that they may not be able to control weeds and pests in the area thereby affecting yield prospects.

Chief Dandawa said some farmers are failing to take advantage of the wet spell to plant early for the 2018-19 summer cropping season.

“The distribution of Presidential Inputs has been delayed in Hurungwe. We plead with relevant Government authorities to consider speeding up the exercise so that we manage the forecast dry spell,” he said.

Chiefs have this year been given inputs for the Chiefs’ Grain Reserves known as Zunde raMambo as a buffer against hunger before the intervention of Government and other humanitarian organisations.

“On Zunde raMambo we humbly applaud President Mnangagwa’s Government as this year we are receiving inputs including seeds to boost our granary.

“These were allocated so that we assist orphans and the less privileged in society. Thumbs-up to our listening Government,” Chief Dandawa said.