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Monalisa Chikwengo
FARMERS who missed the optimal planting window for wheat have been advised to refrain from planting late, as this will lead to reduced quality, yields and increase the risk of crop destruction due to early rains.
Wheat growers have been urged to explore other options, such as planting crops that have a longer planting window or are more tolerant to late planting.
In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary, Dr John Basera said farmers were advised that the optimal wheat planting window closed on the June 15h and any further planting after this date was discouraged and must stop.
“Late planting of wheat negatively affects yields, reduces quality and exposes the wheat crop to risk of destruction by early rains,” he said.
Dr Basera said farmers are encouraged to scout their fields on a regular basis and to make fire guards to avoid unnecessary losses due to veld fires.
The Government had set a target of 90 000 hectares under wheat production this winter season with an expected output of 408 000 tonnes of the cereal.
This figure is well above the 375 000 tonnes needed for self-sufficiency.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Professor Obert Jiri said their team was on the ground doing verifications to see the exact hectarage planted.
Government has been targeting increases in wheat production to meet the national requirement in line with the Agricultural and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, the Agricultural Recovery Plan and the National Development Strategy 1 and in pursuit of the vision of becoming an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030.
Online Reporter