Wheat Planting: Seed companies ready for targeted hectarage
Seed manufacturers have adequate wheat planting material to cover the targeted 75 000 hectares for the 2022 winter cropping season.
Speaking on the state of preparedness for winter cereal production, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said there was more than enough of basal fertilizers and adequate chemicals for the winter cropping season.
“Wheat seed production and availability estimates for the 2022 winter season are 12 459 tonnes which is enough for and estimated area of 100 000 hectares,” he said. “Therefore, adequate seed for targeted area of 75 000ha.
“There is more than enough of basal fertilisers, while there is need to import the shortfall, especially for the ammonium nitrate.”
Minister Masuka said 73 000 tonnes of basal fertilisers was available against a requirement of 37 500 leaving a surplus of 35 500. “The national requirement for tractors, combine harvesters and related implements is still below the national requirement,” he said.
With a view to augmenting the existing tractor fleet and implements, Government has put in place two mechanisation programmes, namely the Belarus and John Deere Farm mechanisation facilities.
The US$103 million Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facilities is divided into two phases and will see the country receiving 1 813 tractors, 76 combine harvesters, 210 planters, 5 lowbed trucks and 5 disc harrows.
The Agricultural Finance Corporation Equipment Leasing Company has received 210 tractors, 32 combine harvesters and 130 planters under Phase 1, which are currently accessible to all winter wheat farmers, while individual farmers can purchase the equipment through local banks.
“The equipment that is being manufactured includes 500 rippers, 500 disc ploughs, 800 disc harrows, 500 boom sprayers and 200 maize shellers,” said Minister Masuka. “Part of the funds for procurement of these locally manufactured implements has been availed.”
Minister Masuka said the drying of summer maize was critical to allow a timely shift from summer to winter cropping and this has necessitated the procurement of 20 mobile grain dryers which are stationed at GMB depots.
Winter wheat in Zimbabwe is wholly irrigated, with the production period spanning the months from May to October.
In 2021, wheat production was achieved on 66 436 hectares for the Presidential, NEAPS and Private Sector Scheme. Zimbabwe requires 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually.-The Herald
