Government has accelerated the nationwide distribution of top-dressing fertiliser, under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme, with large consignments now arriving at Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country, to support farmers during the critical crop growth phase.
Authorities say the importation, bagging and dispatch of the commodity are progressing smoothly, as suppliers step up deliveries to ensure beneficiaries receive fertiliser on time. Transporters involved in the exercise confirmed that trucks are operating around the clock to move consignments nationwide.
“We are busy carrying top-dressing fertiliser. As you can see, the trucks are loading to take AN to various GMB depots,” one transporter said.
Another driver said most consignments are being channelled directly through the GMB network.
“We are working day and night. Some of us are taking fertilizer to agro-dealers, but the bulk is going to GMB for farmers under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme,” he said.
Production Manager at the fertilizer processing plant, Wonder Musa, said significant volumes have already been secured, with daily dispatches now routine.
“From last week, we received over seven thousand tonnes in bulk, and we bagged and dispatched it. More top-dressing is on its way from Durban and is being taken straight to GMB depots,” Musa said.
He added that plant operations are prioritising farmers, with trucks continuously queuing to collect fertiliser for immediate delivery.
At the distribution end, GMB Operations Director, Patrick Muzvimbiri, said all depots are fully prepared to handle incoming consignments.
“We want farmers to know that all 89 GMB depots are ready to disburse the AN fertiliser once it arrives. We also thank the Government for allocating 20 trucks that we are using to assist farmers to transport the fertilizer to their respective farms,” Muzvimbiri said.
The Presidential Free Inputs Scheme has become a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s food-security strategy, benefiting more than 3.5 million households over the years and cushioning vulnerable farmers while boosting national crop output
