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Fungai Lupande Mashonaland Central Bureau
Mashonaland Central saw a 65 percent increase in hectarage placed under traditional grains to 58 003 hectares this farming season from 35 190 hectares last season.
Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga said farmers in the province responded to Government’s call to grow crops like sorghum, pearl and finger millet.
Government is encouraging farmers to grow traditional crops in response to climate change, frequent droughts and to ensure food security.
Sen Mavhunga said 10 088 hectares had already been put under winter wheat, with 257 farmers having registered under the programme so far.
Speaking during a visit by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at a field day at Kunatsa Farm in Matepatepa on Thursday last week, Sen Mavhunga said farmers were getting their winter wheat inputs on time.
She expressed confidence that the province will meet its target of 93 000 tonnes from 18 000 hectares of wheat.
“We appreciate the support from Government which provided inputs to communal, A1, A2 and large scale farmers,” said Sen Mavhunga.
“The recommended guidelines for traditional crops is one hectare for each communal farmer, two hectares for A1 and five hectares for A2 farmers. Large scale farmers are expected to plant 10 hectares and above.”
The 51 936 hectares of sorghum were planted during the 2019-2020 compared to 31 002 hectares last season, translating to 68 percent increase.
Pearl millet production recorded an increase of 13 percent, with 2 956 hectares planted this year compared to 2 069 last farming season.
Finger millet production also increased by 13 percent with 2 956 hectares planted this season compared to 2 119 last year.
On wheat production, Sen Mavhunga said farmers had shown a keen interest following Government’s announcement of a loan facility through CBZ Agro Yield.
“The current uninterrupted power supplies have also encouraged farmers,” she said. “The area put under winter wheat so far has surpassed that of last year. In 2019, the registered hectarage was 8 955 and it has increased to 10 088 this year with 257 farmers registered so far.
“The contracted area is 6 338 hectares this year, with 125 farmers so far compared to 8 306 hectares last year. Registration and contracting is still in progress.”
Seed Co regional managing director Mr Denias Zaranyika said the company would reward the province which will surpass its winter wheat target by the highest percentage.
He said the best winter wheat farmer will win a trip overseas.
Online Reporter