Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
GOVERNMENT has extended the wheat planting window until June 15 in a move expected to bolster national food security by giving farmers ample time to harvest maize and pave way for the key cereal.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the extension provided farmers with an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s self-sufficiency goals.
At a recent tour of Tyrone Estate Farm, Prof Jiri highlighted the progress already made, with 85 017 hectares put under wheat nationwide by the end of last month.
“So far they have planted what they have never done before,” he said, noting that this figure already matches the country’s total wheat target from three years ago.
The extension is in response to unseasonably cool conditions that have delayed maize harvesting for many farmers, preventing timely wheat planting.
“We want to give all those farmers a chance to plant,” he said, reiterating the national imperative to reduce reliance on imported wheat and flour.
He advised late planters to opt for short-season varieties and adjust agronomic practices for optimal yields.
Host farmer, Mr Noel Mangondo, who has nearly doubled his wheat hectarage to 106 hectares, echoed the call for continued planting, stressing the collective effort required to achieve national targets.
The Government has set a target of 120 000 hectares to be put under wheat, which will yield 600 000 tonnes, way above the national requirement of 360 000 tonnes.
