ROSELINE MUTARE
MASVINGO-A serious fertilizer shortage in Masvingo has left farmers reeling.
The shortage cones in the wake of a promising agricultural season, according to the Meteorological Services Department (MET) which forecasted normal to above normal rains.
Zimbabwe’s biggest inland dam, Tugwi Mukosi, is 100 percent full and started over spilling last week, according to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
A mini survey carried out by The Midweek Watch revealed that most traditional suplliers of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) fertilizer were dry, while prices shot from about USD40 to USD45 or USD50 in small, informal suppliers.
The scarcity of this crucial agricultural input has sent shockwaves through the farming community, with many wondering how they will manage to have a bumper harvest this season.
Masvingo Provincial Agritex Director, Caleb Mahoya has urged farmers to explore alternative options.
One farmer from Chivi, Grace Chimombe, expressed this apprehension succinctly.
“We are hesitant to use fertilisers we are not used to, people out there are looking for money and are manufacturing dangerous products that can cause potential damage to our crops,” she said
Mahoya said the fertiliser crunch may be largely attributed to global factors, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has disrupted supply chains and sent prices soaring.
Locally, the high cost of production, regulatory bottlenecks, and infrastructure challenges have also taken a toll on the fertiliser industry.
However, there are glimpses of hope. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a $125 million facility to support fertiliser production and supply for the 2025/2026 season. This move is expected to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Some farmers are turning to organic fertilisers, such as compost and animal manure, which are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
The government’s efforts to localise fertiliser production, with plans to invest in the value chain and attract suitable investors, could be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
