MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The Midlands Province has set a target of 60 000 metric tons of winter wheat this year, contributing approximately 19% of the national wheat requirements of 320,000 metric tons.
To achieve this, the province has allocated 10 524 hectares for wheat production, an increase from last year’s 10,035 hectares.
With the average yield projected to be 6 tonnes per hectare.
These anticipated bumper harvest figures were revealed during a Stakeholder Interaction Seminar held on Tuesday at Kufumaishungu Farm, located 20 km outside of Gweru City.
Speaking at the seminar, Agriculture Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira commended the cooperation among agriculture stakeholders in promoting high winter wheat production in the province.
He emphasized the crucial role played by AGRITEX in providing technical and extension services to farmers, ensuring a healthy crop and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Marapira stressed the importance of embracing technology in wheat production.
“It is imperative that we embrace and promote the co-generation of technology, bringing all wheat producers and stakeholders together as equal partners with rich experiences and valuable indigenous knowledge systems.
“This necessitates a new extension vision, requiring a change of attitude and an expansion of knowledge and skills, including socio-economic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities,” he said
Marapira tasked the Midlands Province to promote sustainable agricultural programs that enhance competitiveness and economic viability.
“This demands well-trained and equipped farmers who can transition from smallholder agriculture to a commercial economy, thereby increasing food and nutrition security,” added Marapira a farmer of repute in Masvingo Province.
At his Lamonte farm on the outskirts of Masvingo City, Marapira realises an average of 10 tones per hectare of wheat.
