EDWIN MOYO
Gweru- The good rains recently experienced across the country have raised hopes of a bumper harvest in the Midlands Province as crops are in good shape.
As compared to last year when the rains came late into the planting season this time around the situation is rosy throughout the vast province as farmers are anticipating a bumper harvest.
According to World Food Programme (WFP) 2022 food security report, government managed to distribute approximately 66% of maize seed and 88% of basal fertilizer targeted under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme mainly for rural communal farmers. From this government estimates there is a 63% increase in area planted under maize and is targeting a production of 3 million tonnes of maize across the country, The Midweek Watch has learnt.
Speaking during an interview, Midlands Crop and Livestock Officer, Medline Magwenzi said, that good harvests were set to be attained in the province.
“We are very happy that crops have been doing very well from germination up to today’s stage across the province. I am optimistic that as a province we’re going to obtain a better harvest than what we anticipated.
“Many farmers embraced pfumvudza/intwasa concept which is our government initiative to bolster agriculture and most of them are realizing their dream.
“Mechanization has also made crops look more lucrative and thrive even under unfriendly conditions.
“Some farmers faced challenges in accessing to dressing fertilizers, but the government support through input injection lessened the challenge.
“Some partners also chipped in through giving farmers loans to farmers,” said Magwenzi.
Gweru based Agritex officer, Dorcas Maphosa last time pointed out that crops were doing well despite the need for farmers to stay alert.
“This season we are expecting a bumper harvest more than what we obtained last season. The rains are good for the crops and areas such as Lower Gwelo, Somabhula, Shurugwi and even Chiwundura are promising to have better yields.
“However, as Agritex we continue to monitor and engaging farmers to be alert and watch out for crop diseases so that we avoid last minute losses,” said Maphosa.
Another livestock Farmer in Somabhula, Funny Ncube said the rains have also provided the much-needed grazing for his cattle and goats.
“The rains have provided much needed grazing for livestock, we expect our cattle to produce good meat and milk as they are well fed. We are working with the relevant Ministry of Agriculture and Veternary Department as you know that last month we were battling the January disease,” said Ncube.
Some of the crops which are expected to do well in the Province are maize, sugar beans, potatoes and sunflowers alongside livestock production.
