Mashonaland East Provincial Chairman and Member of Parliament (MP) for Murehwa North, Hon. Daniel Garwe, has stepped in as a lifeline for farmers in his constituency by announcing a massive donation of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) fertiliser at a time when a critical shortage has threatened crop productivity.
Hon. Garwe made the declaration during his ongoing outreach programmes, where he has been distributing mealie-meal to party members and vulnerable households in Ward 3 at Njedza Primary School, Chingwaru Business Centre, and Chinyani Pre-School.
He said the fertiliser donation programme forms part of his initiative as MP to ensure that farmers do not miss what experts say could be one of the most promising agricultural seasons in years. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has projected normal to above-normal rainfall.
A mini-survey in Murehwa shows that most traditional fertiliser suppliers are out of stock, while prices on the informal market have surged from USD 40 to as high as USD 50 per bag. Many farmers have expressed fear that without AN fertiliser, their chances of achieving a good harvest would be severely undermined.
In announcing the intervention, Hon. Garwe said the entire Murehwa North Constituency would benefit from the programme.
“This fertiliser distribution is part of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision to enhance food security and build a healthy, prosperous nation by 2030.
“We have sourced these fertilisers from our reliable partners and friends to enhance better living for all of us in the Murehwa North constituency.
“No farmer in Murehwa North should fail to produce simply because they cannot afford fertiliser.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, we are ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The initiative comes on the back of Hon. Garwe’s extensive food support efforts. He said that under this food security initiative, 90 tonnes of mealie-meal have been set aside for distribution across the province.
In the past fortnight alone, he has distributed 4,000 bags of mealie-meal to party members across several districts, as part of a larger programme set to reach a total of 15,000 beneficiaries in the constituency.
“We have 22 party districts in our province, and each is going to receive 1,500 bags of mealie-meal,” he said.
Speaking during the mealie-meal handover gatherings, Hon. Garwe encouraged farmers to remain committed to agricultural production.
“I urge all our party members to stay focused on farming and remain a united force as we work towards the success of Vision 2030,” he said.
He also issued a strong warning against the resale of donated inputs.
“These fertilisers are meant to improve your yields, not to be sold. Let us not embarrass President Mnangagwa by selling what your MP has provided to uplift our communities,” he cautioned.
Local party members welcomed the intervention, describing Hon. Garwe as a true servant of the people at a time of need.
Provincial Member Secretary for Education, Cde Wellington Kadembetembe, said, “Hon. Garwe has shown exceptional leadership. This donation is a shot in the arm for every farmer who was stranded. We are grateful for his unwavering support.”
Ward 3 Councillor, Mr. Anyway Nheweyembwa, added, “This gesture proves that Hon. Garwe stands with his people. At a time when fertiliser is scarce and expensive, he has come to our rescue. We appreciate this commitment to improving lives in Murehwa North.”
With the farming season in full swing, Hon. Garwe’s timely intervention is expected to significantly boost productivity and restore confidence among farmers facing the dual pressures of input scarcity and rising costs.
