The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
THE winter wheat planting deadline has been extended by two weeks as Government moves to meet the 90-000 hectares target.
Initially, the planting window was supposed to wind down today (May 31) but has since been extended to June 15.
In a statement, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera said the new target will drive the country to achieving a wheat harvest of about 430 000 tonnes.
Farmers countrywide have so far put more than 47 000 hectares under winter wheat, marking a 42 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
“Government wishes to advise farmers of the 2023 winter wheat production that planting should happen no later than June 15.
“The record 2022 wheat harvest laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth of the sub-sector. We are targeting 90 000 hectares to achieve over 430 000 tonnes of wheat this season. To date, farmers have planted 47 562 hectares of winter wheat and this is greatly appreciated,” he said.
Dr Basera said Zimbabwe is positioning itself to be a net exporter of the cereal in the region.
