The ManicaPost
Nyasha Mapasa Post Correspondent
Farmers in Manicaland Province are expecting a high wheat yield this year after receiving inputs from government.
Agronomists have since urged farmers to continue irrigating their wheat so as to maintain the field capacity.
In an interview with Post Business, Manicaland Agritex provincial agronomist Mr Cephas Mlambo acknowledged the positive development of the crop in districts under command agriculture.
“The 2 800 hectares which were planted in our four districts namely Makoni, Nyanga, Mutasa and Mutare are already at the flowering stage, the crop is performing well and we expect a good harvest,” said MrMlambo
He also said farmers finished planting the 2 800 hectares after they received inputs last month.
“Farmers under Command Wheat programme also received inputs, which include seeds, herbicides and Compound D fertilizers while those who are not registered were sponsoring themselves.”
Mr Mlambo indicated that Makoni was leading with about 80 percent of wheat in the area, while Mutare, Mutasa and Nyanga had a combined 20 percent.
“The bulk of our wheat is planted in Makoni district. We are aiming at reducing the import bill through growing more wheat.
“We are expecting a target of 3 000 hectares this season,” said Mr Mlambo.
Manicaland used to grow winter wheat on about 9 000ha, with low veld areas like the Middle Sabi region accounting for almost 5 000ha.
