Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE country is poised for another historic maize and traditional grains harvest, with latest reports by Agritex indicating that farmers have put more hectarage as compared to last year.
Farmers have received huge praise after surpassing last year’s hectarage put under grains this season as country’s gears for another record bumper harvest this season.
“From the assessment, the crop outlook is very promising, and the hectarage for maize crop and traditional grains we can safely it has surpassed the 1,9 million of last year. Our extension officers are on the ground tofinalise the first crop assessment. So, we cannot only provide actual figures once the exercise is completed,” noted Agritex Chief Director, Professor Obert Jiri.
Farmers’ commitment and the good rains have boosted the country’s prospects to achieve national food security, according to Zimbabwe Farmers Union Secretary General, Mr Paul Zakaria.
“We want to thank our farmers for planting a bigger hectarage as compared to last. This is sign of commitment by farmers and also presidential inputs scheme which provided inputs to farmers on time. We have been blessed by the good rains and hope for achieve the best harvest.”
Government is targeting to achieve three million tonnes of grain this season which will be more than enough to feed the nation per annum.
