Zimbabwean farmers lament fertiliser shortage

The critical shortage of fertiliser has affected farmers in Zimbabwe's Manicaland province, dashing hopes of a good harvest after the current rain season. Crops, particularly maize planted in November are already showing sign of nitrogen shortage.

Some farmers are not using basal fertiliser, threatening a potentially good season. The shortage has been affecting all farmers; with tobacco farmers requiring Compound C and Ammonium Nitrate while maize producers use Ammonium Nitrate and Compound D.

Farmers called on the fertiliser companies to increase production to compliment the good rain season. "We have been receiving good rains in the past month, but there is no fertiliser either top dressing or basal fertiliser. We hope things will improve soon otherwise the hope of bumper harvests might come to naught. If you look around, you can see that farmers are planting without Compound D. This is not good for our area which has sandy soils and have been tilled for some years now," farmer Mr Toendepi Zarurayi said.

Another farmer said they were eagerly waiting for the distribution of the 800 000 tonnes of Compound D imported from China and South Africa. "We hope it will be delivered soon. There is no fertiliser in any shop around at the moment," the farmer said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Rugare Gumbo, said the government was aware of the shortages and was working flat out to ensure that fertiliser was availed to all farmers. "Yes, we have had challenges, but we are doing everything that is humanely possible to ensure that we source enough fertiliser for this season," Cde Gumbo said.

Windmill, Zimphos and Sable Chemicals have been facing serious challenges that have made it almost impossible for them to produce. Central to the challenges have been the current (controlled) pricing regime, which the fertiliser companies believe was transferring their income into the informal market where traders were making roaring business from selling fertiliser at black market prices.

This year's farming season has been dubbed the ‘Mother of all agriculture seasons’ and the availability of fertiliser is key to attaining this goal.

Manica Post