Private sector begins contracting farmers Mr Leonard Munamati

 

Elton Manguwo

THE symbiotic alliance between Government and private sector in supporting agriculture continues to grow with the latter confirmed to have started contracting farmers to increase access to working capital ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Addressing delegates during a briefing on the 2024/25 season preparations recently, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati said the Government-private sector initiative aimed to streamline production processes and ensure that farmers received the essential resources and support needed to optimise yields.

“We strongly encourage farmers to forge partnerships with the private sector for contract farming, as the new season rapidly approaches,” he said.

Mr Munamati underlined that such collaborations could provide growers with essential resources, technical support and access to markets.

To boost the country’s import substitution thrust, Government recently directed private sector to finance 40 percent of their annual raw material requirements through value chain financing that supports farmers’ production efforts.

“By investing in value chain financing, private companies can provide farmers with access to crucial inputs, resources and technologies that enable them to boost productivity and improve the quality of crops,” added Mr Munamati.

In the 2023/2024 season, private sector contributed 449 300 tonnes to the total production of 843 761 tonnes. This contribution comprised approximately 30 percent of maize and 67 percent of soya bean output.

“This involvement demonstrates a strategic commitment to increasing agricultural production and strengthening food security in the country, as by focusing on these essential crops, the private sector seeks to help producers maximise yields while enhancing resource efficiency,” said Mr Munamati.

Additionally, funding for the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) programme for the 2024/25 period will be sourced from AFC Bank, NMB Bank and CBZ Bank.

This financial support will be reinforced by performance guarantees provided by Government to ensure a level of security and reliability for the funding process.

“NEAPS is projected to produce 290 000 tonnes of summer crops from an area covering 50 000 hectares this season,” said Mr Munamati.

The Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) is expected to contribute 394 000 tonnes of summer food crops that comprise maize, soya beans and traditional grains on 97 000 hectares of land under a US$145 million budget.

This strategic apportionment of sponsors aims to optimise the cultivation of key crops that are vital for both food security and economic stability in the region.

“By leveraging resources, expertise and innovation, private entities are instrumental in driving productivity and sustainability within the agriculture sector,” said Mr Munamati.

The recently approved 2024/25 summer crop plan aims to sustainably increase crop production and productivity to surpass the national requirements for food and feed by at least ten percent.

“Private sector participation in the production process will be bolstered through the development of irrigation, with plans to increase the area dedicated to summer irrigation from 75 000 hectares to 90 000 hectares for the 2024/2025 season,” said Mr Munamati.

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