More
    HomeAgriculturePfumvudza/Intwasa inputs distribution underway

    Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs distribution underway

    Published on

    spot_img

    Distribution of inputs under the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa program for the 2024/25 summer cropping season is currently ongoing in all parts of the country, a Cabinet Minister said on Tuesday.

    In a weekly post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the move dovetails with the government thrust to increase productivity.

    “Meanwhile, distribution of Presidential Inputs including cotton has commenced. Progress with the Silo expansion project is on course at the following depots, Kwekwe, Mutare Grain, Mhangura, Mvurwi, Timbermills, Lupane and Rutenga. On cotton, a total of 427 550 farmers will be supported through contract farming with a target covering an area of 278 750 hectare,” he said.

    He said the government aims to increase production of cereals to 3 274 200 metric tons from 744 271 metric tons in the 2023/24 season.

    “The overall production volumes of major crops are expected to increase by 347 percent. The plan is to produce enough to feed the nation and to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve. The country expects to receive normal to above normal rainfall during this season,” he said.

    Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said following rains received recently, planting has started across the country. “A few areas that have not received sufficient rain to start planting, but this is just isolated patches throughout the country.

    So this whole sector has mobilised resources, particularly for the Presidential Input programme. 58 percent of the fertilisers are available and of that fertiliser 75 percent has been distributed. 90 percent of the maize seed has been received and of that 80 percent has already been distributed.

    “Similarly, for cotton inputs we have received over 80 percent of those inputs and distribution is ongoing. So countrywide farmers are naturally excited,” he said.

    Dr Muswere said national grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stand at 253 665 metric tons.

    “Cabinet highlights that a total of 1 036 721 metric tonnes, comprising 852 260 metric tonnes of maize, 184 121 metric tonnes of wheat and 340 metric tonnes of wheat flour were imported by the private sector as at 20 November, 2024. To date, 885 import permits have been issued to 423 companies to import 4 430 280 metric tonnes of maize against the deficit of 1 million metric tonnes. Government continues to monitor volumes of imports, stocks at millers, import prices, and import sources ahead of the festive season in order to eliminate arbitrage opportunities,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a total of 563 961 metric tons of wheat have been harvested to date from the Winter cropping season. Of the total, 91 149 metric tons have been delivered to the Grain Marketing Board, with 83 149 metric tons being from the Agricultural Rural Development Authority.

    New Ziana

    Latest articles

    Zimbabwe has enough grain up to next harvest – Muswere

    Harare, (New Ziana) – The country has enough grain to last up to the...

    Vendors to get POS machines

    Harare, (New Ziana) – Vendors in the country are expected to be issued with...

    Mixed feelings over partitioning of shops into small units

    Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- A growing number of property owners in Bulawayo's Central Business District...

    Darts clubs shine at tournament

    By Terence Tikiti THE National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (NDAZ) held its National Darts...

    More like this

    Zimbabwe has enough grain up to next harvest – Muswere

    Harare, (New Ziana) – The country has enough grain to last up to the...

    Vendors to get POS machines

    Harare, (New Ziana) – Vendors in the country are expected to be issued with...

    Mixed feelings over partitioning of shops into small units

    Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- A growing number of property owners in Bulawayo's Central Business District...