Andrew
Online Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 2022/2023 summer cropping season have started as the beginning of the agricultural season has been moved from the traditional November to August to address climate change challenges.
Government plans to produce three million tonnes of maize in the forthcoming season and to double both cotton and tobacco production.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said: “With a view to ensuring household and national food security, the updates on preparations for the 2022/2023 summer agricultural season have been brought forward from August to April in order to deal with the perennial challenges around food security in the country.
“The Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, as well as geopolitical conflicts have disrupted global supply chains for grain and agricultural inputs, with the resultant price escalations highlighting the need to intensify local production.”
According to Government, cropping targets for the 2022/2023 summer season include three million tonnes for maize, a combined 467 000 tonnes for traditional grains, 140 000 tonnes for soyabeans, 82 500 tonnes for sunflower and 350 000 tonnes for groundnuts.
Cotton and tobacco production also expected to more than double from previous production levels.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) had been roped in to enhance potato and sunflower seeds, with measures being put in place to promote the consumption of traditional foods.
Online Reporter