MUTARE Around 700 Marange villagers received US$60 in vouchers to buy farming inputs at a seed fair organised by local NGO Plan International and Agritex.The seed fair concept is designed to bring farmers, supplies and traders together to enable farmers to access inputs at their doorstep. This assistance comes at a time when farmers are facing multiple challenges in acquiring the inputs, said Plan Internationals Bartholomew Mupeta.
He said the voucher was enough to help them farm four hectares.
The idea is that if they plough four hectares, they can harvest between 20 and 30 bags of grain, which can sustain a family for the whole year, he said.
Farmers can also choose the most appropriate time to plant, a time that is suitable for obtaining maximum yields. Those without the vouchers can buy the inputs because the seed fair is open to everybody, he said.
Mupeta said prior to the introduction of the fairs in 2003, farmers were usually given one variety of seed that might not be productive in every area.
Post published in: News