News / National
Tillage starts at a slow pace
22 Oct 2014 at 17:33hrs | Views
Land preparation for the 2014-2015 cropping season has started at a slow pace in farming areas north and north east of Harare, with most farmers complaining of inadequate tillage equipment and machinery.
A survey of farms along the Harare-Bulawayo road towards Norton revealed that most farmers are yet to begin land tillage, while others have only done patches of their land.
Some spoke of ageing machinery and implements which is delaying tillage due to frequent breakdowns while others completely lack the tools.
A farm manager at New Donnington Farm, Mr. Morgan Zulu, said hiring equipment from specialised consortiums is a solution which some farmers in the area are opting for.
He suggested that the district development fund could also come to the rescue of farmers to ensure farmers without irrigation schemes are able to plant timeously.
Others said ways should be found for farmers to access new equipment at affordable prices or manageable repayment terms.
A survey of farms along the Harare-Bulawayo road towards Norton revealed that most farmers are yet to begin land tillage, while others have only done patches of their land.
Some spoke of ageing machinery and implements which is delaying tillage due to frequent breakdowns while others completely lack the tools.
A farm manager at New Donnington Farm, Mr. Morgan Zulu, said hiring equipment from specialised consortiums is a solution which some farmers in the area are opting for.
He suggested that the district development fund could also come to the rescue of farmers to ensure farmers without irrigation schemes are able to plant timeously.
Others said ways should be found for farmers to access new equipment at affordable prices or manageable repayment terms.
Source - ZBC
