Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government has commenced distribution of winter wheat inputs amid assurances that they are enough for the coming cropping season.
“All inputs are in place. The (winter) planting season starts on May 1, and everyone is geared to start planting on that date,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri.
“For the Presidential Input Programme, inputs have started to move. We are really geared up.”
The Government plans to produce 600 000 tonnes of wheat from 120 000 hectares this year. Local annual demand stands at 360 000 tonnes.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority has ring-fenced an additional 160 megawatts to guarantee power for farmers.
Prof Jiri stressed the importance of early planting to maximise yields.
“We are targeting an early planting season, because any planting after that will be not as economic as it should be,” he said.
“This time around, we have a lot of water.
“We urge every farmer with access to water to engage in winter wheat production.”
Zimbabwe Farmers Union operations director Dr Prince Kuipa said they are working to ensure that land preparation is done in time.
“In terms of tillage, not all farmers have the machinery.
“We are in communication with service providers to ensure they can provide leases to farmers,” he said.
Online Reporter