Story by Tendai Munengwa
The distribution of top-dressing fertiliser under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme has intensified, with large quantities of the commodity now being delivered to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country to support farmers during the critical crop growth stage.
Authorities say the importation, bagging and dispatch of the fertiliser are progressing smoothly, as the supplier accelerates deliveries to ensure timely access for beneficiaries of the programme.
Transporters engaged in the nationwide operation confirmed that trucks are operating around the clock to move consignments to various depots.
“We are busy carrying top dressing fertiliser; as you can see, the trucks are loading to take AN to various GMB depots,” a transporter said.
Another driver said the bulk of the consignments is being channelled through GMB to reach farmers under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme.
“We are working day and night. Some of us are taking fertiliser to agro-dealers, but the bulk is going to GMB for farmers under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme,” he said.
Production Manager at the fertiliser plant, Mr Wonder Musa, confirmed that significant volumes have already been secured, with daily dispatches ongoing.
“From last week, we have received over seven thousand tonnes in bulk, and we bagged and dispatched it. More top dressing is on its way from Durban and is being taken straight to GMB depots,” Mr Musa said.
He added that operations at the plant are prioritising farmers, with trucks queued to collect fertiliser for immediate delivery.
At the distribution end, Grain Marketing Board Operations Director Mr Patrick Muzvimbiri said all depots are fully prepared to handle the fertiliser rollout.
“We are happy to let farmers know that all 89 GMB depots are ready to disburse the AN fertiliser once it arrives. We also thank the Government for allocating 20 trucks that we are using to assist farmers to transport the fertiliser to their respective farms,” Mr Muzvimbiri said.
The Presidential Free Inputs Scheme has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s food security strategy, having benefited more than 3.5 million households over the years, while cushioning vulnerable farmers and boosting national agricultural output.
