Andrew
Mashonaland East Correspondent
OVER 9 700 hectares will be put under winter wheat this season in Mashonaland East Province, up from 9 230 ha last season.
Provincial Agritex officer Mr Leonard Munamati said the province will not produce maize in the coming winter season.
“As Mashonaland East, we are targeting to put 9 773 hectares under winter wheat,” he said.
“We are in the process of identifying farmers who will be involved in the whole programme.
“As Agritex, we are not envisaging any winter maize, because all efforts will be directed towards ensuring that enough wheat is produced for the country.”
The department is working closely with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to ensure farmers have adequate water for irrigation.
“We are working closely with Zinwa to verify the farmers’ state of preparedness with regards to water availability and irrigation infrastructure,” he said.
Government has set a target of 383 500 tonnes of wheat from 75 000 hectares this season.
Zimbabwe requires 360 000 tonnes of wheat every year.
Online Reporter