The Sunday Mail
Zimbabwe is expected to produce 1,9 million tonnes of maize this season due to timeous input distribution and sufficient rainfall, an official has said.
Over 300 000 tonnes of cotton and 400 000 tonnes of wheat are also likely to be harvested.
In addition, soya bean growers are expected to hit 250 000 tonnes while other small grains will likely top 400 000 tonnes.
The maize projection surpasses the annual demand of 1,8 million tonnes and last season’s 1,4 million tonnes.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Paddy Zhanda disclosed the figures at Parliament’s pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls last week.
He said the projections were underpinned by weather forecasts indicating that most parts of Zimbabwe will receive normal rainfall.
“The maize production forecast for the 2014/2015 cropping season stands at 1,9 million tonnes, based on the rainfall pattern expected.
“We also expect significant improvements in other crops such as soya beans, sorghum and other small grains.”
Agronomist Mr Peter Gambara said the maize projection was not far off the mark.
“It is achievable because we are growing two million hectares of seed. However, the wheat harvest could be a problem because we still have electricity problems. Wheat farmers are also not well-funded to attain the projected 400 000 tonnes.
“. . . Regarding A2 farmers specifically, Government should arrange with banks to provide loans. The Grain Marketing Board should also be capacitated to pay farmers on time.
“Some A2 farmers are getting reprieve from a programme under which Zanu-PF and its partners are providing inputs,” he said.
