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Farmers have put more than 35 000 hectares under wheat and experts have urged them to intensify planting to beat the May 31 deadline.
Planting after the deadline is not recommended as yields will be compromised by early rains.
The latest update from Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services indicates that of the 35 000 hectares prepared, over 17 000 hectares have germinated.
The report also shows that farmers have received 11 000 tonnes of basal fertilisers,10 000 tonnes of top dressing fertiliser and 3 000 tonnes of seed.
Agricultural experts recommended that input distribution be expedited and farmers have been encouraged to plant before the deadline.
They are also urging authorities to intensify training of farmers on important agronomic practices to boost yields.
There is a hive of activity in the fields as farmers are busy harvesting maize, others are selling tobacco at the auction floors and others are planting wheat.
Zimbabwe Commercial farmers Union president, Dr Shadreck Makombe said farmers should not relax, but move with speed to beat their planting deadline.
“It is our wish that farmers will be able to plant beyond the end of May so that we get high yields. We urge the contractors to speed up inputs distribution so that farmers do not miss out on the optimum planting window.
“We are encouraging farmers to plant by end of May which is the major planting window to realise optimum yields,” he said.
He emphasised that farmers should wrap up land preparations to ensure they do not miss crucial planting dates, which may compromise yields. — HR.
Online Reporter