GOVERNMENT has introduced more measures to curb the theft of inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme.
Speaking during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information minister Jenfan Muswere said government would blacklist any official involved in input abuse.
Muswere said ward committees involved in input abuse would also be banned.
“The 2024-25 summer season plan aims to increase production of cereals to 3 274 200 metric tonnes, against the 744 271 metric tonnes obtained during the 2023-24 summer season,” he said.
“The overall production volumes of major crops are expected to increase by 347% from a mere 915 000 metric tonnes to over four million metric tonnes.
“The production target for cereals is 3,3 million metric tonnes, while that for pulses is 819 500 metric tonnes.”
Under the Presidential Input Scheme, 91% of the targeted 9,5 million plots have been prepared by 86% of the targeted 3,5 million households.
All beneficiaries will receive 50% of their inputs by November 24, 2024, be said
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“Government has adopted additional measures to curb the abuse of inputs. The measures include the blacklisting of any official involved in input abuse, banning ward committees involved in input abuse and implementing an improved standard operating procedure with role clarity.”
Muswere said the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme would establish a total of 52 500 hectares under maize, soyabean, traditional grains and sunflower, with a target to produce 256 000 metric tonnes.
“The private sector has also undertaken to fund the establishment of 95 046 hectares of maize, soyabeans, potatoes, sugar beans and sunflowers. The Arda [Agricultural and Rural Development Authority] facility will plant 100 000 hectares under maize and 50 000 hectares of traditional grains.
“The private sector support for cotton targets 418 800 farmers to plant 270 000 hectares under cotton. The target tobacco production for the 2024-25 season is 300 million kilogrammes, and to date, over 117 000 growers have registered.”
Muswere said Cabinet also approved the proposed public-private partnership project between the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry and a private company on the upgrading, construction and tolling of the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway and Nyamapanda border.
“In terms of the agreement, the special purpose vehicle, will hold equity in the project and facilitate the flow of funds between the various stakeholders.”
Muswere also said that the country launched its second earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, into orbit yesterday.
“The ZimSat-2 satellite was launched from Russia. The satellite was designed and manufactured through a collaborative research programme between the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) and Southwest State University in Russia,” he said.
“The satellite was designed for earth observations and data collection in agriculture, environmental protection and natural resource management. ZimSat-2 will monitor the earth and support missions that keep track of crop health, predict yields and identify nutrient deficiencies.”
