Zimbabwe keeps wheat prices the same as last year at $450 for each ton. Farmers feel happy because they can make good money with these prices. The government wants our country to grow much more wheat than we need. They plan for farmers to plant wheat on 120,000 hectares of land during winter. This should give us about 600,000 tons of wheat when harvested.
Our country only needs 360,000 tons each year to feed everyone. Last year, farmers planted wheat on almost 120,000 hectares and grew 562,591 tons. They also planted barley on 6,697 hectares, which produced 36,120 tons. The government hopes these big harvests will help us stop buying wheat from other countries and strengthen our economy.
Shadreck Makombe leads the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union. He thinks the price works well for farmers if the cost of seeds, fertilizer, and other things stays the same. But he asks the government to pay farmers quickly when they bring their wheat. Fast payments help farmers prepare land and buy what they need for the next season without problems or delays.
Mr. Leonard Munamati is the acting chief director at Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services. He mentioned earlier this month that both the government and private companies stand ready to help wheat farmers. Different programs, including the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme and the Presidential Wheat Support Scheme, will support growing wheat. Some farmers will pay for everything themselves.
The Grain Marketing Board will buy wheat from farmers who received help through government programs. Farmers who paid for their crops can sell anywhere they want for the best price. The GMB promises to buy wheat from anyone who cannot find better deals elsewhere. They will work together with the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange to offer storage services for wheat. These changes should really help wheat farmers across Zimbabwe make more money and grow better crops.
Our country only needs 360,000 tons each year to feed everyone. Last year, farmers planted wheat on almost 120,000 hectares and grew 562,591 tons. They also planted barley on 6,697 hectares, which produced 36,120 tons. The government hopes these big harvests will help us stop buying wheat from other countries and strengthen our economy.
Shadreck Makombe leads the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union. He thinks the price works well for farmers if the cost of seeds, fertilizer, and other things stays the same. But he asks the government to pay farmers quickly when they bring their wheat. Fast payments help farmers prepare land and buy what they need for the next season without problems or delays.
Mr. Leonard Munamati is the acting chief director at Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services. He mentioned earlier this month that both the government and private companies stand ready to help wheat farmers. Different programs, including the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme and the Presidential Wheat Support Scheme, will support growing wheat. Some farmers will pay for everything themselves.
The Grain Marketing Board will buy wheat from farmers who received help through government programs. Farmers who paid for their crops can sell anywhere they want for the best price. The GMB promises to buy wheat from anyone who cannot find better deals elsewhere. They will work together with the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange to offer storage services for wheat. These changes should really help wheat farmers across Zimbabwe make more money and grow better crops.
