Story by Oleen Ndori
THE government has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers, to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country as part of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Inputs Programme, in preparation for the 2025 to 2026 farming season.
As the summer cropping season draws near, the Government is intensifying efforts to support smallholder farmers through the timely provision of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring national food security.
During a fertiliser delivery at a GMB depot, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, confirmed that inputs for the season are available.
“We have started moving inputs to various GMB depots in preparation for the season, targeting three million beneficiaries. We are also distributing compound D and ammonium nitrate, as you can see here. We expect this process to be completed by early November, just before the onset of the rainy season,” he said.
Professor Jiri emphasised that the government is well-prepared to support farmers, as reflected in the timely distribution of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals to centres for smallholder farmers under the presidential inputs programme.
“We have retained 10 000 tonnes of top dressing fertilizer from the previous season and received an additional 15 000 tonnes, ensuring there is enough for farmers under the presidential input scheme. We have established modalities for fair, transparent, and equitable distribution to facilitate a smooth process this season,” he said.
Over the years, the presidential scheme has successfully supported various smallholder farmers under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which has proven valuable in adapting to changing climatic conditions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, currently, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is fully integrated into farming practices, with over six million of the targeted nine million plots already prepared for the summer cropping season.
