Resettled farmers in Chirumhanzu Zibangwe, Moffat area last week were forced to share 2 bags of fertilizer that were distributed under the presidential input scheme.
The 14- 50kg bags of fertilizer that were distributed to the Moffat area saw each of the seven villages getting 2 bags.
Each household received close to 3 kilograms of fertilizer, a move that was roundly criticized by the villagers.
Speaking to 263chat, villagers who gathered to collect the fertilizer, expressed dismay over the amount of fertilizer they received.
“Surely what can I do with less than 5kgs of fertilizer, this is more than an insult,” openly said Ruzvidzo Nemamwa.
The award winning farmer who hails from village 21 urged the president’s office to be involved in the distribution of inputs.
“The office of the president should be involved in the allocation of inputs as this will ensure transparency in the process.
“Surely the President cannot send us just 14 bags of fertilizer, someone should explain what happened to the rest of the fertilizer,” he said.
Villagers also plainly criticized government for releasing crop inputs late into the season, adding that the late distribution reflected lack of organization on government side.
A villager who spoke on conditions of anonymity said the $28 million presidential well-wishers input scheme for the 2015/16 farming season came late.
“This is January and we are still receiving inputs and the amount of fertilizer we are receiving is worthless,” she said.
She added that planning is the hallmark of successive farming hence inputs should be distributed before the farming season commences.
Alice Mhute said government’s input scheme for the 2015/16 farming was a misplaced priority.
“This farming season government should have limited the inputs and channel more money to ensuring that people have adequate food until the next farming season.
Ward 20 councillor, Mr Thomas Chisadza acknowledged receiving 14 bags but could not shed more on the issue.
“We have received 14 bags of fertilizer under Presidental input scheme. If you want more Information contact council chairperson,” he said before hanging up.
Farm inputs scheme meant to mobilise agriculture inputs for distribution to less privileged farmers around the country is a government programme which should benefit all farmers.
The input scheme has also been shrouded by allegations of being politicized with framers complaining that they are failing to aces the inputs.
