Inputs abusers put on notice
FARMERS who abuse agriculture inputs received under the Presidential Inputs Scheme or deliberately fail to plant for one reason or the other will be made to account for their actions, as Government moves to ensure that all inputs are put to good use, as efforts to boost food security intensify.
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) acting director for crop production Mr Leonard Munamati recently warned farmers against abusing inputs, saying they would be held accountable for the misuse of the inputs by the Government.
Mr Munamati urged all farmers who either received inputs under the Presidential Inputs programme or the ARDA joint venture (JV) scheme to use the inputs properly and plant all the seed they were given and effectively use the fertiliser too.
He added that farmers still had until tomorrow (January 10, 2024) to wind up planting activities.
“All smallholder farmers who were given inputs under the Presidential Inputs Programme
have a day to finish planting and those who were given inputs under the JV model must also plant and utilise them,” he urged.
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has since warned beneficiaries of free inputs under the Presidential inputs scheme against selling them saying they were meant to enhance productivity levels at their plots adding that they were giving rewards to whistle blowers who see illegal deals and expose them.
“GMB wishes to remind members of the public that in terms of Statutory Instrument 247 of 2018, it is unlawful to sell or purchase inputs that are being distributed to farmers under Presidential Inputs Programme or any contract scheme or from any unauthorised dealer.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri also urged communities to fully utilise land and maximise production, warning Agritex officers and beneficiaries against abusing Pfumvudza inputs. He said those caught offside would face the full wrath of law.
He said: “Every farmer should be serious. Plant and harvest the surplus even in the event of the less rainfall. We will not tolerate abuse of inputs. It will be a disgrace to hear that people are abusing them.”