Tinaye Agere
Theseus Shambare
THE nation has achieved 97 percent of its maize planting target of 1,8 million hectares as part of efforts to boost food security and replenish the national grain reserves, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.
Speaking during a mid-season tour of farms in Bindura, Dr Masuka noted that Mashonaland Central province had reached 98 percent of its maize planting target.
The visit aimed to assess crop condition and progress made in attaining national food security goals.
“As a nation, we had set a target of 1,8 million hectares for maize production to ensure food security and restock the strategic grain reserves. We have now achieved 97 percent of that goal,” Dr Masuka stated.
He commended farmers in Mashonaland Central province for their hard work, also highlighting their success in the cultivation of traditional grains.
“They have done well in maize planting and relatively well in terms of traditional grains like pearl millet and rapoko,” said Dr Masuka. “The province has successfully completed 98 percent of its maize planting target.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Retired Captain Christopher Magomo acknowledged the challenges posed by inconsistent rainfall.
“We are grateful to the Government and its partners for reviving irrigation systems in the province, enabling more land to be cultivated,” he said.
Online Reporter