Winter Wheat Launched in Mvuma 

Winter Wheat Launched in Mvuma

Mako Jerera

A Winter Wheat launch was held this Tuesday at Marisa Enock’s Homestead, Beacon Hill in the Chishuku area, Mvuma.
The program, which was running under the theme ‘going for growth’, was meant to help farmers increase their wheat yields this year, as Zimbabwe targets to become the breadbasket of Southern Africa by 2030.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is targeting 90 000 hectares of wheat nationwide this year.
The Midlands Province is expected to grow 9000 to 9500, and Mvuma District is expected to cover over 500 hectares of wheat.
Midlands Provincial Agritex Director, Mrs Magwenzi who was represented by Mr Dzvuke from Chirumanzu District and Agritex officer Mr Mark Rera taught farmers about wheat planting, the timeline needed for it to grow well, how and when to apply fertilizer, as well as the correct harvesting time depending on the types of seeds which would have been used.
They assured farmers that Presidential inputs were going to be distributed soon, noting that other districts like Gweru had already received inputs.
Seed types were identified as of being utmost importance. Farmers were advised to start planting between the last week of April to mid-May.
Farmers were given tips and educated on how to treat the soil as well as how to properly apply fertilizer.
The DDC encouraged farmers to sell their produce to the GMB as a way of giving back to the government.
Mvuma GMB manager, Mrs Mangena encouraged farmers to use working accounts when coming to sell their produce.
Brighton Nzara, who spoke on behalf of the farmers, presented their grievances which include inadequate fuel as well as untimely payments by the GMB.
Areas which were represented by the Chirumanzu District include Musena, Driefontein, Mavise, Nyamafufu, Mapiravana, Gadzanga, Chishuku, Uplands and Impala.