Most of Midlands crop write off

the recent mid-season dry spell.
According to Midlands Governor and Resident Minister Jason Machaya, some families will fail to harvest even a “single bucket” of maize.
Governor Machaya yesterday said the dry spell, which caused severe moisture stress, had dampened the farmers’ hopes of good harvests.
“We are still assessing the situation, but 75 percent of the crops in the areas we have visited so far are in a sorry state and villagers might not get even a single bucket.
“We are facing hunger in most parts of the province because even drought resistant crops such as sorghum and millet have succumbed to the dry spell.
“We expected a bumper harvest as the situation was promising in the first quarter when we received good rains but it’s now back to square one,” he said.
Some of the worst affected areas include Mberengwa, Zvishavane, and parts of Shurugwi, Lalapansi, Chiwundura and Silobela.
Some farmers attempted to replant in February.
However, Governor Machaya said the northern parts of the province would get at least 50 percent of their projected harvest.
These areas include Zhombe, Gokwe North and South, Kwekwe and parts of Chirumanzu.
“While we are faced with this challenge, some areas, because of their geographical location will harvest half of what they planted. These have always fared well in the past.”
He appealed to the Government to provide for the grain deficit.
“We understand Government has directed GMB to start moving grain to worst affected areas around the country and we hope that we will be among the beneficiaries.”