Wheat hectarage to go up by 1 000ha

GOVERNMENT expects Manicaland’s winter wheat hectarage to increase by up to 1 000 hectares this year, as preparations for the 2018 winter wheat season intensify.

In an interview, Manicaland provincial agronomist Mr Thomas Sakuhuni told The Herald that land preparations were progressing well and farmers were registering and getting contracted under the Command Wheat programme launched recently.

“Land preparations for the 2018 winter wheat season have already begun with farmers already registering and getting contracted under the Command Wheat programme.

“This year’s winter wheat season is promising to be better amid expectations of an increase in planted land by a thousand hectares or more due to the full implementation of the Command programme,” said Mr Sakuhuni.

At its peak, Manicaland used to record in excess of 9 000 hectares, with the Middle Sabi region alone accounting for about 5 000 hectares.

Mr Sakuhuni also said farmers in Manicaland were expected to receive 150kg of seed per hectare, 600kg basal fertiliser and a range of 400- 600kg of top dressing fertilisers and chemicals.

He went on to note that the inputs were not handouts but an advancement to give farmers a kick-start and would be paid back at the end of the season.

Government recently launched a 67 000-hectare Command Wheat Programme, which at minimal yield is expected to significantly cut the country’s cereal import bill.

Pursuant to Government’s efforts to guarantee food security, the Command Wheat Programme is targeting 50 000 hectares for the 2018 winter wheat season to be funded by Sakunda and a further 17 000 to be funded by other contractors.

A total of 67 000ha is therefore targeted countrywide.