Engine of farming

CHINHOYI – AGRICULLTURE remains the back-bone of Mashonaland West
Province and is the engine in the farming of main crops such as maize, wheat and
soya beans.

There are also horticultural projects and products such as flowers, peas, green
beans, chillies tomatoes, onions, potatoes, bananas, macadamia nuts, crocodiles
and related products.

Its activities provide employment and income to the people and supplies raw
materials required by industries.

The main goal is to attain an upper middle income economy by 2030 in line with the
National Development Strategy 1.

Mashonaland West Provincial agronomist, Siyena Makaza, said Mashonaland West
contributes significantly to the economy of the nation. It is the bread basket of the
country as it produces about 25-33 percent of most of the food to cash crops in the
country.

“During summer, maize and soya beans are the major crops, as well as tobacco, the
foreign currency earner. In that regard the province boasts the largest number of
grain silos and Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots because of the huge
contribution to production.

“The summer of the 2023-24 season is up on us. So, as extension office workers in
Mashonaland West Province, we are encouraging farmers to do good and also the
proper land preparation,” said Makaza.

The agronomist added that the weather condition predicted is normal to below
normal rains.

“Hence agronomic practices such as preparations of weeding, putting fertilisers and
a variety of selections should be good, exceptionally of high standards so that the
farmers achieve good yields.

“Techniques such as Pfumvudza should be embraced as it conserves moisture,”
said Makaza.

Makaza said despite the weather prediction they wish Mashonaland West farmers a
better season.

The province receives about 120.82 millimetres of rainfall) and has 129.73 rainy
days annually.