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Herald Reporter
Farmers have delivered over 1,5 million tonnes of maize this season compared to 2,7 million tonnes delivered during 2020 to 2021 season, a decrease of 44 percent, statistics from Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services have revealed.
The area planted to maize decreased by 1percent from 1 920 541ha in the 2020/21 season to 1 903 669ha in 2021/22.
This year’s production was greatly hampered by erratic rainfall and dry spells which affected all parts of the country.
However, the Government is targeting to produce 3 million tonnes of maize during the 2022/23 summer cropping season with preparations already underway.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president, Dr Shadreck Makombe, said although the season was not good due to rainfall patterns, chances of getting a bumper harvest is high next year.
He also added that farmers are well prepared and well informed for the next season.
“The season was not good. The season had a false start so we went on to anticipate rains in November, unfortunately there were no rains. There were also incessant rains and dry spells causing a lot of damage to the crops,” he said.
The area planted to maize under Pfumvudza/Intwasa is 342 860ha representing 18 percent of the total area planted to maize.
Zimbabwe National Farmers’ Union vice president Mr Edward Dune said the future of maize is good if Government continues to pay farmers in local currency.
“The future is bright if farmers continue to be paid in foreign currency. We are optimistic that next year we can achieve the target if private players also come to partner Government in farming,” he said.
Farmers are hoping to produce a good harvest next year following the latest seasonal forecast from the Meteorological Services Department which is predicting normal to above normal rains across the country.
Mrs Thandiwe Munyanyi of Banket said she is anticipating a good harvest next season after guidance from Meteorological department.
“Weather patterns are crucial as they guide farmers on what to grow. We are delighted because these are the weather patterns that have always brought us good harvests. This is critical for our country because food security is an important part of our lives, we must stock up our reserves,” she said.
Another farmer from Darwendale, Mrs Anna Machinja of Musana said if farmers get inputs on time there is a probability that the country will record a bumper harvest.
A farmer from Lower Gweru, Mr Pauro Musipa said he was expecting a huge yield and appealed to the Government to lease more land to those with potential. “We are going to receive good rains. This season is good for us. We are optimistic of a bumper harvest,” he said.
Mrs Monica Maware, an A1 farmer in Banket, said: “We appeal to authorities to bring Command Agriculture inputs timeously so that farmers plant on time. We are looking forward to a bumper harvest this season”.
Second Republic has made food security a top priority and is working towards a US$8,2 billion agriculture industry economy by 2023, underpinned by the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1),the driver towards Vision 2030 to make Zimbabwe an upper middle-class economy. The country requires 2,2 million tonnes of maize for human and livestock consumption and the three million tonnes target will position Zimbabwe as a significant player in grain production in the region. This year farmers are expected to plant two million hectares of maize
Online Reporter