Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
MATEBELELAND North Province is reaping the rewards of a fruitful wheat season with 76,4 percent of the crop harvested at an average yield of 6,8 tonnes per hectare, marking a significant achievement for the farmers.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services acting director for Mat North, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, said the country was recording significant progress in agricultural production, particularly in winter wheat farming.
“The province anticipates concluding the harvest by October 30 due to weather disruptions. Some farmers are even harvesting at night,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu added that summer cropping preparations under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme were also underway
“Over 185 360 plots have been prepared so far, with most districts across the province currently busy.
“Farmers are receiving training on climate-smart agriculture, weather patterns and crop variety selection,” he said.
Agro-dealers have started stocking early-maturing seed varieties while traditional dry planting practices have remained prevalent in areas such as Tsholotsho.
“Farmers are proactively exchanging and buying seeds among themselves,” he said.
Meanwhile, livestock farmers are using tractors for tillage to boost fodder production, especially for dairy and breeding purposes.
“Over 200 farmers in one district have registered for this initiative. Partnerships with seed producers in Hwange and Umguza have made it possible for the farmers to access legumes and grasses, with the province targeting 50 000 hectares,” he said.
