Doubt Cast on Zimbabwe's Preparedness for New Season

Source from:  tobaccojournal.com Nov 22, 2007 11/23/2007

A recent report by the Institute for War & Peace Reporting seems to cast doubt on some of the recent claims about the immediate outlook for agriculture in Zimbabwe, including the production of tobacco. 'With serious shortages of fertilizer and maize seed, Zimbabwe faces another poor harvest – even if it receives good rains this season,' the report said. 'Some retail outlets last received fertilizer in April and there have been very few deliveries of maize seed.' Based on an inspection of some rural areas, IWPR said the situation on the ground was contrary to the forecast by Reserve Bank Governor, Gideon Gono, and Agriculture Minister, Rugare Gumbo, that the 2007-2008 season was going to be a success. Enditem