But some CIO operatives have questioned the lawfulness of denying MDC members access to the inputs, resulting in the seed being given out under cover of darkness to any farmers in need – despite their political affiliation. Packets of seed maize distributed to villagers at Murewa Centre, Chief Svosve area, and other rural communities recently, had stickers bearing the Zanu (PF) symbol and Mugabe’s picture.
“There is nothing Presidential about the inputs exercise, as the distribution is carried out in a partisan manner. Mugabe says the programme should benefit all farmers irrespective of political affiliation. On the ground, his lieutenants continue to discriminate against farmers on political grounds. What relevance does the Zanu (PF) symbol and Mugabe with his clenched fist have on a national relief project?” said a bitter Murewa villager, Marian Nzuma.
Some famers turned down the hand outs offer, citing the unprecedented ‘advert’ on the packaging as partisan and scaring. The inputs are being distributed under the $20 million Presidential farming package for the 2012-2013 farming season.
In Chief Svosve area, there was drama at Village 17 last week Sunday, as MDC-T officials demanded a share of the inputs.
“We challenged Zanu (PF) ward chairperson, Stanford Kahari, to desist from partisan allocation of inputs, as President Mugabe had told the nation the project was apolitical. Six of us were later given 10kg of seed maize each, before the CIO ordered Zanu (PF) to collect the inputs given to MDC,” said an MDC-T member on condition of anonymity.
At Nhowe Business Centre in Marondera East Zanu (PF) district chairperson, Sheppard Zenda, last week denied MDC members access to seed maize. He told them to wait for Morgan Tsvangirai’s inputs scheme.
Attempts by Zenda to deny MDC members access to fertilizer last Friday, were foiled by the timely intervention by MDC-T councillor ward 19, Samuel Machekanyanga.
“He told Zanu (PF) that the inputs were meant to benefit every household irrespective of political affiliation. The distribution was later carried out in a non-partisan manner,” said a villager.
Households in urban centres are receiving an average 2kgs of seed maize each, amid allegations that Zanu (PF) officials were allocating themselves huge quantities of both seed maize and fertilizer during the night.
When reached for comment about the Mugabe picture on the seed maize pockets, Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, said: “Maybe it is because the input project is a Zanu (PF) scheme.”
MDC-T expressed shock and anger at how the country’s inputs schemes were manipulated by Zanu (PF).
“This is vote buying of the highest order. There is no way Mugabe can raise $20 million for the inputs. This could be taxpayer’s money drawn from state coffers and proceeds from Chiadzwa diamonds. Zanu (PF) and Mugabe are using unorthodox means to lure back lost popularity,” said MDC-T Spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora.
He said Zanu (PF) had destroyed the country’s agriculture sector in order to hold poor farmers at ransom.
“Zanu (PF) wants farmers to go down on their knees begging for inputs every farming season, in exchange for votes,” said Mwonzora.
Post published in: News