1. Dr Gono revealed that machinery worth US$200 million had been distributed to farmers during the programme that was expected to run for five years, but had only been rolled out for two years starting from 2007 to 2008.
2. During the deliberations, the committee asked Dr Gono to explain the mechanisms used in the distribution of the machinery and how some people ended up with more than one implement. “We distributed the machinery with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation
3. and Irrigation Development and the Grain Marketing Board,” said Dr Gono.
“Beneficiaries received implements according to the sizes of their land and the ecological regions in which they are operating. The GMB and the Ministry identified the beneficiaries.
“Beneficiaries received implements according to the sizes of their land and the ecological regions in which they are operating. The GMB and the Ministry identified the beneficiaries.
4. They were the ones who had information on the farmers and their production records.”
5. On who was supposed to make sure the farmers repaid, Dr Gono said it was the duty of the ministries of Finance and Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to make the necessary follow-ups.
He said the Reserve Bank was not capacitated to do the follow-up with a staff of 500.
The Herald July 18 2012
The Herald July 18 2012
