Story by Tamuka Charakupa
MASHONALAND WEST Province is well on course to achieving its winter wheat planting target of 35 000 hectares, with over 30 000 hectares already under crop as the planting window remains open.
Among the farmers making a significant contribution is Mr James Garakara, who has put more than 150 hectares under winter wheat through a government-sanctioned joint venture arrangement.
“We are in a joint venture that covers a 15-year period, and this is our first season. We are grateful to the President for this opportunity and hope to continue receiving timely input support to meet our planting deadlines,” he said.
Acting Provincial Director for Agricultural and Rural Development Services, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi, expressed optimism that the province will surpass its set target, provided inputs continue to be delivered efficiently.
“Planting activities are progressing steadily. From what we have observed on the ground, we are confident that we will surpass this year’s target, although some input support is still needed,” she said.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, who is currently conducting a countrywide assessment tour of the winter wheat season, urged farmers to maximise the remaining planting window, noting that inputs had already been dispatched to beneficiaries.
“The agricultural sector is at the centre of our quest to attain the President’s vision. It is the right strategy for the government If we get agriculture right we will be able to get every other sector right. Food security comes from cereals. Let us utilise the land to feed ourselves. The major growing provinces Mash West with 34 500 target followed by Mash Central with 28 000,” he said.
Dr Masuka highlighted Mashonaland West as the leading wheat-growing province, with Zvimba District being the largest single contributor in the country.
The province’s contribution of 35 000 hectares is a significant portion of the national target of 120 000 hectares. Zimbabwe is aiming to produce 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat this season to ensure food self-sufficiency.
