Harare (New Ziana) -The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged wheat farmers to stop further planting of the crop as the optimal window to do so has since closed.
In a press statement on Tuesday, permanent secretary Dr John Bhasera said any further planting after the 15 June cut-off date affects yields, reduces quality and exposes the crop to risk of destruction by early rains.
“Focus should shift and be redirected towards effective good agronomic practices, disease and weed management, irrigation management and scheduling.
“Farmers are encouraged to scout their fields on a regular basis and to make fire guards to avoid unnecessary loses due to veld fires,” he said.
Dr Basera urged farmers to approach their nearest Agritex Office or Agricultural Extension Officer for the necessary wheat growing backstopping support and agronomic advices.
In a recent interview, Dr Basera said the country is projecting about 3 million metric tons of cereals this year against a national annual requirement of 2.2 million metric tons.
For the first time in many years, Dr Basera said the country is now wheat and flour sufficient, becoming one of the two countries in Africa together with Ethiopia to achieve that feat.
The country is expecting to produce 375 000 metric tons of wheat against a national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tons.
New Ziana
