NEW: Zimbabwe targets 624 000 tonnes of wheat

Online Reporter

Government has set an ambitious target of producing 624 000 tonnes of wheat during the 2024 winter wheat season, with enough inputs having already been secured.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing.

“A total of 120 000 hectares have been targeted for wheat production during the 2024 winter cereal production season, compared to the 90 912 hectares planted in 2023,” he said.

“The total production is estimated as 624 000 metric tonnes, against a national requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes annually.”

The targeted hectarage will be financed through banks, the Presidential Input Scheme, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA)’s Estates and Joint Ventures programme, the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) and self-financing.

“Farmers are being advised that the country has enough wheat seed and chemicals, some fertilizers and chemicals in stock for the 2024 winter cereals production season,” said Minister Muswere.

“The deficit in fertilizer requirements has to be met through imports. There is enough water in the country’s dams for the winter cereals production programme.”