326K tonnes wheat yield harvested

 

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

 

Farmers have so far harvested 326 687 tonnes  of winter wheat  from a target of 380 000 metric tonnes (MT), a government report shows.

The report revealed that the harvesting season was affected by shortages of combine harvesters and rains.

It is understood that harvesting of wheat has halted in some areas due to high moisture content.

“Cumulative area harvested across the provinces stands at 72 389  hectares (ha), which is 89% of the planted area with cumulative expected production of 326 687 MT.

“The wheat crop that has not been harvested has reached maturity and harvesting is in progress across the provinces.

“Farmers are facing various challenges which include transport to ferry grain to GMB, high moisture content due to received rains and late payments,” reads part of the report.

In the 34th  Post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the wheat stocks at GMB stood at 160 262MT, while the millers have 33 500 MT in stock.

“The GMB stocks will provide 7.6 months’ cover at a consumption rate of 21 000 MT  per month, while the total country stock will last 9.2 months.

“On a sad note, a total of 3 980 ha of the wheat crop was damaged by rains, with the largest hectare of 3 225 being in Mashonaland West province,” Mutsvangwa said.

Historically the country relied on imports to meet domestic demand but with 326  000 tonnes and reserves, the country will  be self sufficient,

Zimbabwe requires 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually.

According to Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development minister Anxious Masuka, Zimbabwe plans to increase wheat production to 420 000 MT next season.

 

 

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