Maize farmers urged to plant to meet two million h...

Maize farmers urged to plant to meet two million hectare target

Zim Now Writer

Government is urging maize farmers to plant as soon as possible after distributing about 80 percent of targeted seed.

“After we had played our part in making sure the seed gets to farmers on time before the effective rains, we realised that there is a need for a blitz to encourage our farmers to plant. We are using all media outlets and extension officers to make sure the word reaches every farmer that this is the right time to plant,” Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri told a local publication.

He said only 12 798 hectares making up less than one percent of the targeted two million hectares of maize under Pfumvudza/Intwasa had been planted as at November 24.

“Farmers need to speed up planting so that they utilise the rains they received.

The Meteorological Services Department which earlier warned farmers not to plant too early has since confirmed that the rainy season is indeed upon the country.

While Zimbabwe is increasing irrigation capacity with dam construction being a key infrastructure target, the country still relies mostly on rain fed agriculture and must maximise production in good seasons to cushion itself against hunger during drought periods.

This year almost 4 million people need food assistance to help them survive until the next harvest season in 2023.

Maize production is key to the economy as the cereal is a staple for human consumption as well as most stock feeds and critical in the agro-processing chain.

Zimbabwe has this year managed to harvest record wheat tonnage adequate for domestic consumption for the year 2023 and is targeting improved food security with a good maize harvest.