Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Communal farmers in Ward 16, Bikita District, are emerging as key contributors in Zimbabwe’s wheat production drive, with 56 hectares of the crop currently under cultivation.
Acting Chief Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mr Leonard Munamati, who toured Mr Cliff Makamba’s homestead in Makuwe Village recently, said communal farmers were critical in meeting national targets.
“Across the country, smallholder farmers have collectively put over 13 000 hectares under wheat,” he said.
“Bikita’s contribution reflects the determination of rural communities to strengthen national food security.”
The wheat, which is at various stages from booting to soft dough, is expected to feed into Zimbabwe’s national target of 600 000 tonnes this season.
Mr Munamati, however, warned of the threat posed by quelea birds.
“We are working closely with farmers to identify nesting sites and deploy effective control measures to protect the crop,” he said.
Local farmers say Government programmes such as the Presidential Inputs Scheme have enabled them to venture into wheat farming.
“The inputs we received have transformed our livelihoods. Wheat farming is giving us income and food security,” said Mr Tandanai Mhuka, chairman of the Chitiyo Cooperative.
Host farmer Mr Makamba urged his peers to take full advantage of the State’s support.
“Government assistance is there. What remains is for us to work hard and modernise our systems for better yields,” he said.
Officials say upgrading irrigation infrastructure will further unlock Bikita’s potential as a wheat-producing district.
Online Reporter