News / Agriculture
10% increase in wheat harvest this year
11 Dec 2023 at 03:59hrs | Views
The Wheat harvest for 2023-2024 has been projected to reach 10 percent higher than the previous cropping year according to the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) report.
The report states that as of October this year winter wheat harvesting had already started and projected harvest levels to be higher than the previous season.
FEWS NET activities are funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and it noted that the 2023 winter wheat harvest began in most areas, with the Ministry of Agriculture estimating production at about 415,000 metric tons of wheat and 15,000 metric tons of barley," the report reads.
"This anticipated wheat harvest would be 10 percent higher than last year and a consecutive record harvest. Crop inputs, mainly seeds and fertilizers, are available on the market, but purchases are still very low ahead of the planting period, as most farmers cannot afford the high prices," it said.
"In early October, the government suspended the duty on fertilizer imports to reduce prices and enhance affordability to farmers. The planting of irrigated tobacco started on time in early September, with about 15,000 hectares reportedly planted by October 18, almost 8 percent higher than the same time last year."
FEWS NET noted that dry conditions and very hot temperatures impacted water availability ahead of the 2023/24 rainy season, adding that water availability is below normal in low rainfall areas after a longer-than-normal dry season.
On cattle condition the report noted that in general, cattle body conditions are fair to poor in typical low rainfall areas, affected also by limited access to veterinary care, while goats are generally in fair to good condition.
The report states that as of October this year winter wheat harvesting had already started and projected harvest levels to be higher than the previous season.
FEWS NET activities are funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and it noted that the 2023 winter wheat harvest began in most areas, with the Ministry of Agriculture estimating production at about 415,000 metric tons of wheat and 15,000 metric tons of barley," the report reads.
"In early October, the government suspended the duty on fertilizer imports to reduce prices and enhance affordability to farmers. The planting of irrigated tobacco started on time in early September, with about 15,000 hectares reportedly planted by October 18, almost 8 percent higher than the same time last year."
FEWS NET noted that dry conditions and very hot temperatures impacted water availability ahead of the 2023/24 rainy season, adding that water availability is below normal in low rainfall areas after a longer-than-normal dry season.
On cattle condition the report noted that in general, cattle body conditions are fair to poor in typical low rainfall areas, affected also by limited access to veterinary care, while goats are generally in fair to good condition.
Source - Byo24News
