High maize target for Manicaland

MUTARE- Preparations for the 2023/24 agricultural season are on course, with
Manicaland targeting to put at least 265,000 hectares under maize, focusing on
improving production by at least 10 percent in the season.
Smallholder farmers in the province have continued adopting efficient and
sustainable Pfumvudza techniques that enable them to achieve high yields using
less land, water and chemicals with guaranteed profits for farmers as evidenced by
the bumper harvest from the previous season.
Manicalanbd Director for Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services,
Philippa Rwambiwa said inputs will be distributed on time to allow farmers to
capitalise planting with the first rains.
“This year we are targeting to put once again 265000 hectares under maize. The
previous season bore us surplus grain from the same target so we are now focusing
on improving yield levels under the same hectarage. We are currently seized with
the registration of farmers and we are also rolling out the electronic registration
system for the second phase now in order for us to be able to track input
distribution. Soon after registration input distribution of seed and basal fertilizer
commences in order for the farmers to capitalise on the first rains,” said
Rwambiwa.
Farmers have already started preparations with tillage, pot-holing, mulching,
acquisition of inputs such as seed maize, fertilisers and chemicals already in full
throttle.
On the other hand seed, fertilisers and chemical companies have assured the nation
that they have enough stocks to meet increased national demand.
This comes against the backdrop of a highly successful 2022/23 season where
almost everything fell into place from the abundant rains, to the availability of
inputs and timely extension services.

Rwambiwa added that it was also important for farmers to be continuously
engaging with Agriculture Extension Officers so that they get the necessary and
relevant advice.
Manicaland recorded a yield of 412 602 tonnes of grain during the 2022/23
cropping season against a target requirement of 249 922 tonnes giving Manicaland
a surplus of 162 680 tonnes.
The provincial average yield for the season was 1.4 tonnes per hectare which is
expected to be increased to an average 1.6 tonnes per hectare this season.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has released its seasonal rainfall
forecast for the 2023/24 season, which shows that much of the country is likely to
receive normal to below normal rainfall between October 2023 and March 2024
pushing the need to focus energies on improved yield.