Inputs to reach wards next week

The Government has assured farmers that inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme will be distributed across the country by next week, ensuring that preparations for the rainy season proceed without disruption.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka gave the assurance during a tour of Reignbold Investments Private Limited's fertiliser plant in Harare on Thursday.

Dr Masuka said the Government, in partnership with the private sector, had secured sufficient fertiliser supplies to support all beneficiaries under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.

"For a very long time, the President has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that each of the three million beneficiaries of the Presidential Inputs Scheme receives their basal fertiliser, top dressing, seed, and chemicals on time," said Dr Masuka. "We visited Reignbold Investments to assess progress in their delivery of essential basal fertiliser."

He confirmed that 18 000 tonnes of the contracted 60 000 tonnes had already been delivered, with the company currently producing between 1 500 and 2 000 tonnes per day.

"By the end of next week, at least 30 000 tonnes will have reached all wards, allowing for efficient distribution," Dr Masuka said. "Farmers must continue preparing their land as rains are expected by mid-November. There will be no shortages - all teams are working to align the movement of raw materials with production capacity to ensure that no one is left behind."

The minister also announced that the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme will be officially launched on November 7 in Insiza, marking a key milestone in this year's summer cropping preparations.

Reignbold Investments has been one of the major private partners in the fertiliser supply chain, helping the Government achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural inputs. The company's efforts are in line with President Mnangagwa's vision of ensuring food and nutrition security and his mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

Reignbold Investments chief finance officer Mr Titus Maravanyika said the company was well prepared to meet its targets.

"As Reignbold Investments, we recognise the national significance of this programme and have put in place the required infrastructure. To date, we have completed 18 000 out of the 60 000 tonnes we are supposed to deliver. We assure the nation that by mid-November, we will have completed distribution," he said.

Mr Maravanyika also revealed plans to expand production capacity and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.

"We plan to use resources from local sources like Dorowa Mine. Our goal is to ensure that the three million farmers in rural areas receive their inputs on time. So far, we have produced 18 000 tonnes of fertiliser for farmers and expect to reach 30 000 tonnes by the end of next week," he said.

The timely delivery of inputs is expected to boost preparedness for the 2025/26 summer cropping season and strengthen Zimbabwe's drive toward agricultural resilience and food security.