Andrew
Theseus Shambare
WHEAT farmers can now access combine harvesters and pay later as the Government steps up efforts to speed up the process to avoid further losses from rain damage.
By Friday last week, over 60 000 ha had been harvested, with only 20 000 ha remaining, while farmers have delivered nearly 250 000 tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
At least 248 combine harvesters had been deployed to 20 centres countrywide from which farmers were accessing them at a cash upfront basis but some farmers are financially hamstrung, leading to delays in harvesting.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera said Government is determined to make Zimbabwe wheat self-secure.
“We are pleased with how our farmers have worked this season, achieving a record bumper harvest. We cannot let this history go down the drain because of simple things that can be dealt with amicably. We cannot wish the rains to stop because we need them but what we can control is losing the cereal we have worked for.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Tafadzwa Musarara welcomed this development, saying the move will ensure wheat harvested is of good quality.
“We are happy that the Government took heed to our calls to ensure farmers get their crops harvested on time. As millers, we are much concerned with the cereal quality. Poor quality is not fit for bread production and this means we will be bound to lose money through importations,” said Mr Musarara.
Nyamavanga Farmers Association chairperson Mr Silas Mubhemi thanked the Government’s move but also urged farmers to always budget in time for wheat operations to avoid losses.
Mazowe farmer Mr Lloyd Chitate of Nyamavanga Farm said Government’s role has been pivotal during the 2022 winter wheat season.
Online Reporter