malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
FARMERS have been urged to speed up harvesting wheat to avoid losses from rains expected in the first week of November.
Chief director (agricultural engineering, mechanisation, post-harvest agro-processing and soil conservation) in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Engineer Edwin Zimunga said farmers need to do everything possible to timeously harvest their crop.
“We are urging all wheat farmers to expedite harvesting of their winter wheat crops by all means available,” said Eng Zimunga.
“We have created combine harvesters clusters countrywide, where farmers can access efficient service. Farmers need to get in touch with local leadership to organise and schedule harvesting and grain drying services immediately to save the winter wheat.”
Government is providing combine harvesters through partnership with private players and banks, including AFC Leasing Company.
Zimbabwe expects to harvest a record 430 000 tonnes of wheat this year.
The annual national demand for the cereal currently stands at 360 000 tonnes.
Bongani Ndlovu