90 000 tonnes of wheat harvested

Zim Now Writer

The country has harvested an estimated 90 000 tonnes of wheat have been harvested and delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) by October 27.

This tonnage is about a quarter of the year’s projected winter wheat harvest, according to the government.

Wheat estimated to cost US$900 000 was lost to veld fires during the farming season.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services chief director Obert Jiri said: “To date, our farmers have delivered 89 000 tonnes of wheat to the GMB, and we are happy that we have no transport challenges. We have witnessed a slow start to the selling season because the production was delayed due to the late maturity of the summer season crops.

“But everything is in order and our farmers are on the ground, making sure the grain is harvested before the rains.”

Government deployed over 110 combine harvesters to 20 centres countrywide to facilitate timely harvests with Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos, urging farmers to take advantage of the government intervention.

“Farmers need to utilise the available combine harvesters that were distributed by the Government for wheat harvesting to avoid losses caused by rain.”

The country has an annual wheat demand of about 360 000 tonnes, while this year’s harvest is projected to be above 380 000 tonnes. Already, there are indications that Zimbabwe will have a surplus.