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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24323, member: 2262"] AMA Expands Strategic Crop Contracting for Summer Season. The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is pushing for more strategic crop contracting this summer. They want to climate-proof agriculture in Zimbabwe. There are now 22 registered contractors, up from 19 last year. AMA CEO Clever Isaya said this shows confidence in Zimbabwe's farming sector. AMA has helped farmers and contractors work together well. This makes for smooth production programs. This year, 31,376 hectares of land are being used for sorghum, almost triple last year's 11,846 hectares. This is in keeping with the government's plan to grow more traditional grains. Sunflower production has also gone up. 17,892 hectares were contracted this year, compared to 15,075 last year. The government wants Zimbabwe to rely less on imported oils and wants farmers to have good ways to make money. AMA has worked to get farmers' inputs, technical help, and guaranteed markets. The 16% increase in contracting is a good sign for Zimbabwe's agriculture. Mr. Isaya said AMA will keep working to empower farmers and help the country. The results of a recent crop and livestock check are still to come. But people are watching to see how these important crops do. In 2023, the Agriculture Minister said cotton and sunflowers can transform rural areas. The government helps with these crops now, but later, it will just make it easier for others to work in this area. The government wants farmers to grow crops that can withstand bad weather. In some areas, they must grow traditional grains, oil seeds, and livestock feed. This is important for the country's food and oil security. [/QUOTE]

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