News / National
Zimbabwe wheat farmers urged to expedite harvesting ahead of rainy season
29 Oct 2023 at 18:22hrs | Views
Wheat farmers have received an urgent appeal to accelerate the harvesting of their winter crop in anticipation of the upcoming rainy season next week. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development issued a statement with the intent of safeguarding the crop against potential risks associated with heavy rainfall.
The ministry noted that Zimbabwe is expected to receive rain in the first week of November and, in response to this development, all wheat farmers are strongly encouraged to expedite the harvesting of their winter crop using all available means. The ministry further advised farmers to coordinate with their cluster leadership to promptly schedule combine harvesters and grain drying services to ensure the preservation of the winter crop.
This advisory comes in the wake of a prior directive from Ministry Secretary Obert Jiri, who emphasized that farmers should exercise caution in harvesting their crop. Jiri pointed out that the recent rain experienced in the previous week did not signify the commencement of the rainy season. He emphasized that unless a farmer has access to proper drying facilities, it is not advisable to begin harvesting until the moisture content falls within the acceptable range.
It is noteworthy that Zimbabwe achieved its highest wheat harvest in the previous year since the inception of cereal production in 1966. The country recorded a surplus of 375,000 tonnes, surpassing the domestic requirement of 360,000 tonnes.
The ministry noted that Zimbabwe is expected to receive rain in the first week of November and, in response to this development, all wheat farmers are strongly encouraged to expedite the harvesting of their winter crop using all available means. The ministry further advised farmers to coordinate with their cluster leadership to promptly schedule combine harvesters and grain drying services to ensure the preservation of the winter crop.
This advisory comes in the wake of a prior directive from Ministry Secretary Obert Jiri, who emphasized that farmers should exercise caution in harvesting their crop. Jiri pointed out that the recent rain experienced in the previous week did not signify the commencement of the rainy season. He emphasized that unless a farmer has access to proper drying facilities, it is not advisable to begin harvesting until the moisture content falls within the acceptable range.
It is noteworthy that Zimbabwe achieved its highest wheat harvest in the previous year since the inception of cereal production in 1966. The country recorded a surplus of 375,000 tonnes, surpassing the domestic requirement of 360,000 tonnes.
Source - The Chronicle
