Fertiliser firms upbeat

farming season.
Government has targeted to put 45 000 hectares under winter wheat production this season.
The country’s top two fertiliser companies, Windmill and the Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company, confirmed that they had over 70 000 tonnes of both ammonium and compound fertilisers to meet winter wheat farming requirements.
Windmill chief executive Mr George Rundogo told New Ziana, the company had 26 000 tonnes of both ammonium nitrate and compound fertilisers in stock.
“We will be producing a further 16 000 tonnes, bringing the total to 42 000 tonnes of the commodity,” he said.
He was optimistic the company could supply the required quantity of fertilisers on its own. “The projected hectarage requires 40 000 tonnes, this means we will have a surplus of fertiliser on the market,” Mr Rundogo said.
He said Windmill had managed to increase productivity from 65 percent last year to 80 percent.
ZFC managing director Dr Richard Dafana also confirmed the availability of fertiliser.
“We have more than enough fertiliser for winter wheat. Our stock levels currently stand at 24 000 tonnes of compound D and 20 000 tones of ammonium nitrate,” Dr Dafana said.
“We can produce up to 40 000 tonnes of compound D and 30 000 ammonium nitrate.”
Dr Dafana said owing to increased production, the company was targeting to resume exports soon. Shortage of inputs such as fertiliser has previously beset wheat production. – New Ziana.