$4 billion for Pfumvudza transport
FARMERS registered under the Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme should not pay for the transportation and distribution of production inputs as Government has availed $4 billion to ensure their swift movement to all wards collection points.
On Wednesday, Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza gave a stern warning to all unscrupulous elements bent on swindling farmers.
This came as a red flag had been raised in Mutasa, with beneficiaries under the programme being advised to fork out US$2 each for the transportation of the Pfumvudza inputs.
Mr Seenza said such unscrupulous elements must be brought to book as corruption will not be tolerated in the distribution of inputs.
He said this practice undermines the rule of law, violates rights of beneficiaries and erodes public trust in noble Government programmes.
Mr Seenza said Government policy stipulates that farmers should not pay for the transportation of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme as the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has already been paid to provide that service.
Government is targeting to distribute farming inputs to at least 3,5 million beneficiaries across the country, and 461 573 in Manicaland, ahead of the 2022/23 farming season.
Mr Seenza said Manicaland is geared for the 2022/23 summer season as the distribution of inputs has been scaled-up, with Government
footing the transportation bill.
“Farmers are not supposed to pay for the transportation of Pfumvudza inputs. They cannot pay for a service that Government has already paid for. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure that the inputs reach the wards collection points. We have not instructed anyone to demand payment from farmers and anyone doing that should stop that because it is illegal.
“When corruption is prevalent and those in public positions fail to take decisions with the best interests of society in mind, this damages the credibility and trust for Government programmes,” said Mr Seenza.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Climate and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri echoed
similar sentiments and warned inputs distribution committees against coercing farmers to pay.
“Farmers should not pay for the inputs being distributed to designated centers in their wards. The supplier takes the inputs to GMB depots and it is the responsibility of GMB to distribute them to the wards,” he said. Professor Jiri said Government has provided GMB with money to ensure the smooth movement of inputs.
“We know that some seed companies have started moving a lot of seed via railway.
FSG has also started moving fertilizer via railway to the provinces. However, from the provincial centers to various GMB depots, trucks come in,” he said.
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