Published by the government of Zimbabwe
10 October 2007
editorial
Harare — THE success of any agricultural policy anywhere in the world depends on the support that the sector receives, not only from the government of the day, but also from the private sector.
But most importantly, the success of modern-day farming largely hinges on mechanising the agricultural sector.
That is why the Zimbabwe Government, having redistributed land to those previously deprived of the resource, is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to mechanise agriculture.
On Monday, President Mugabe commissioned the second phase of the Farm Mechisanisation Programme which will see the disbursement to A1 farmers of 50 000 animal-drawn ploughs, 70 000 animal-drawn harrows, 20 000 animal-drawn cultivators, 1 000 animal-drawn planters, 70 000 knapsack sprayers and 45 000 scotch-carts.
A2 farmers will receive an additional 1 200 tractors, 50 combine harvesters, 800 ploughs, 800 disc harrows and 300 planters under this second phase of the mechanisation programme.
Under the first phase launched by President Mugabe in June, A2 farmers received 925 tractors, 35 combine harvesters, 586 disc ploughs, 463 disc harrows, 70 vicon fertilizer spreaders, 241 boom sprayers and 71 planters.
Hats off to the Government for continuing to support the farmers who are the backbone of our agro-based economy.
Unlike in the past, modern-day farming is capital intensive and the new farmer needs support in the form of implements and inputs to take off the ground.
Having said that, we call on the Government, through its various agencies, to ensure that the farming implements and machinery are given to the right people who can produce food for the nation.
With weather experts having predicted a good rainy season, now is the time for everyone given land to put their shoulders to the wheel and till that land.
All the efforts that the Government is making to mechanise agriculture will come to nought if the beneficiaries do not play their part.
There is no more room for excuses because the machinery is now there and a training programme for those who would be operating it is already underway.
Inputs suppliers should not be found wanting.
Having disbursed the machinery, Government should now move with speed to ensure that seed, fertilizer and agricultural chemicals are readily available on the formal market so that farmers don't experience hassles in acquiring these inputs.
Fuel should also be made available timeously for the coming season, and failure should not be an option this time around.
President Mugabe rightly pointed out that production on the farms should increase significantly this coming season so that the country does not just become self-sufficient, but should also produce for export.
Strict monitoring of those given the farming implements and machinery is now needed.
It will be sad if this equipment gathers dust in warehouses or in farm sheds.
It will be sad if those accessing the inputs and fuel at subsidised prices channel these to the black market instead of using them on their farms.
That is why it is imperative for Government, through agencies such as Arex, to go round the farms checking whether farmers are fully utilising, not only the machinery and the inputs, but the land as well.
Let us draw lessons from past mistakes and chart a new course.
With the support the agricultural sector has received from the Government so far, there is no reason why the country cannot regain its breadbasket status.
We hope the private sector will take a cue from the Government and also come aboard.
That way, increased agricultural productivity and unity of purpose, as evidenced by the distribution of machinery and implements to all deserving farmers regardless of political affiliation, will surely shame the country's detractors.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2007 The Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
