Farmers hail govt agric facility: Farmers have commended the government for coming up with a US$161 million agriculture facility for the forthcoming season saying it will assist in boosting the country’s food security. In a bid to ensure there is availability of seed and fertilisers on the market, government has paid off debts owed to inputs producing firms while making available the input support programme for the 2013-2014 agricultural season. Farmers who spoke to ZBC News said the move is a relief for them as government had failed to provide support for the past four years, adding that this will play an important role towards the boosting of the nation’s food security. Unveiling the facility, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Cde Patrick Chinamasa said US$530 000 has been allocated for the rehabilitation of the District Development Fund tractors to assist in the cultivation of the land for farmers whose herd has depleted owing to drought in the southern parts of the country. The agricultural sector has been constrained over the past four years owing to lack of funding from government. This has forced government to import maize from neighbouring countries.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:55:12 +0000