Farmers contracted under the Government’s specialised import substitute maize (Command Agriculture) have started planting with others intensifying land preparations.
A survey of provinces by Zimpapers has shown that all the farmers who have planted have irrigation facilities, while dry land farmers were either collecting inputs or finalising land preparations. Agriculture Minister Dr Joseph Made, confirmed that farmers had started preparations
In Mashonaland Central, farmers have so far planted 380 hectares of maize and part of the crop has germinated and is at three-leaf stage. Mashonaland Central provincial Agritex officer, Mr Stancilae Tapererwa, also said planting was underway.
In Matabeleland North 200 hectares have been prepared as farmers wait for seed. Matabeleland South agritex officer, Mr Judiya Ncube, said farmers were still collecting inputs and putting last touches to their land preparations. In Midlands farmers with irrigation facilities have started planting.
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