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Midlands Correspondent

The majority of farmers in the Midlands Province have already received inputs under the Presidential Input Support Scheme ahead of the 2018-19 summer cropping season which is about to start.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima revealed in an interview that about 90 percent of farmers in the province had so far received their inputs.

“Farmers in the province continue to receive inputs to clear the few that are yet to get them,” he said.

“But the bulk of them, say 90 percent of our farmers in the province, have received their inputs as we prepare for the summer cropping season.”

Minister Mavima said in line with President Mnangagwa’s call, this time the inputs came earlier so as to give farmers ample time to prepare for the farming season.

“We have distributed the inputs earlier this time and the process should end before the beginning of the farming season as compared to previous years where rains would fall before farmers get inputs,” said Minister Mavima.

He urged those who were yet to get the inputs to consult their councillors or village heads.

“The few remaining families who are yet to receive their inputs should not lose heart as authorities are working on it,” said Minister Mavima.

He warned some unscrupulous village heads and councillors in the habit of fleecing farmers, collecting “transport fees” for one to get the inputs.

“There are some places where farmers should part with a few cents for the inputs to get to their homes,” said Minister Mavima.

“But there are some instances where the farmers are being fleeced by village heads, such cases should be reported to responsible authorities and such corrupt village heads should be dealt with.

“We are carrying out investigations and such people should be brought to book as that is pure corruption.”

Minister Mavima said the inputs should benefit everyone regardless of political background.

“The President, who is the owner of the programme, is clear on that one, the inputs are for Zimbabweans not for a certain political party,” he said.

“They should be distributed to everyone without looking at political affiliation.”

His call comes amid reports that in some parts of Zhombe, some farmers had been denied inputs by village heads, claiming that they were not fit for inputs due to political affiliation.

Some in Silobela have raised complaints after village heads demanded ‘transport fee’ from every villager for the inputs.