Zimbabwe farmers harvested enough grain to feed the country during the current season. The nation expects to have 812,000 extra tonnes of food after meeting domestic needs of 2.2 million tonnes. Good rainfall helped government officials work with private companies and farmers to boost crop production. The agricultural sector achieved major success during the summer growing period.
Winter wheat planting exceeded government targets across the country. Farmers planted 122,142 hectares of wheat compared to the original goal of 120,000 hectares. Officials expect to harvest 600,000 metric tonnes of wheat from these fields. The planting season ran from May 1 to May 31 and farmers finished their work on time.
Cabinet ministers learned that Zimbabwe will have 3 million metric tonnes of total grain reserves. The calculation combines the expected harvest of 2.9 million tonnes with existing stocks of 83,526 tonnes. Government plans show the Grain Marketing Board will continue paying farmers quickly for their grain deliveries. Marketing will happen through several channels such as the board, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange and direct sales to processors.
Farmer Brent le Reux planted 200 hectares of winter wheat at his Jotsholo estate during early May. Water supply problems continue to challenge his farming operations since wheat needs constant irrigation for center pivot systems. The Redwood Irrigation Scheme farmers planted 10 hectares of winter wheat this season. These 24 villagers reduced their wheat area from 17 hectares last year due to water shortages.
Winter wheat planting exceeded government targets across the country. Farmers planted 122,142 hectares of wheat compared to the original goal of 120,000 hectares. Officials expect to harvest 600,000 metric tonnes of wheat from these fields. The planting season ran from May 1 to May 31 and farmers finished their work on time.
Cabinet ministers learned that Zimbabwe will have 3 million metric tonnes of total grain reserves. The calculation combines the expected harvest of 2.9 million tonnes with existing stocks of 83,526 tonnes. Government plans show the Grain Marketing Board will continue paying farmers quickly for their grain deliveries. Marketing will happen through several channels such as the board, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange and direct sales to processors.
Farmer Brent le Reux planted 200 hectares of winter wheat at his Jotsholo estate during early May. Water supply problems continue to challenge his farming operations since wheat needs constant irrigation for center pivot systems. The Redwood Irrigation Scheme farmers planted 10 hectares of winter wheat this season. These 24 villagers reduced their wheat area from 17 hectares last year due to water shortages.
