Adequate fertiliser for winter cropping
ZIMBABWE has enough fertiliser stocks to supply the 2022 winter cropping season as producers seek to increase local production and minimise imports.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, said the available stocks would be able to support the existing winter input programmes and other needs.
“Regarding the 2022 winter cropping season, the Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the local fertiliser industry has adequate stocks to supply the existing Winter Input Programmes as well as other commercial and retail needs,” she said.
“The available fertiliser includes carry-over stock from the previous season and stocks under the Collateral Management Arrangement (CMA), which will be released once the required funding has been disbursed.”
Zimbabwe has set a target of 75 000 hectares to produce 383 500 tonnes of wheat this winter, while 7 000 hectares have been targeted for barley production.
No winter maize production is envisaged this year as efforts are directed at ensuring sufficient wheat for the country.
Wheat production is funded by the CBZ Agro-Yield, AFC Land Bank and private sector contribution with small-scale farmers being part of the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
Wheat planting started at the end of last month and this year’s crop is expected to be vibrant.
“Cabinet notes that the fertiliser production sector plays a critical role in ensuring successful agricultural production which is the bedrock of our economy,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Government is thus looking at ways of recapitalising the sector, including through listing on the stock exchange in order to attract suitable investors.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the local fertiliser industry was accelerating the implementation of the five-year fertiliser import substitution roadmap (2020-2024).
“The objective is to increase local production of phosphates and ammonium nitrate in order to reduce fertiliser imports,” she said.
“To this end, the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDC) has invested into the local fertiliser value chain from extraction of phosphates to the granulation of basal fertilisers.”
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