Source: Govt highlights strategic efforts to enhance national food reserves – herald
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
GOVERNMENT is focused on replenishing household strategic reserves to ensure food security and cash is ready for farmers who deliver their produce to the national reserves, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.
Speaking during a tour of Ghost Acres Farm in Banket recently, the minister said the Government was determined to ensure food security and praised Mashonaland West Province for leading the pack in agricultural production.
Mashonaland West Province is set to exceed its wheat planting target of 34 000 hectares, having already planted around 31 000 hectares.
“If we get agriculture right, we should be able to get everything else right. We must first focus on food security and largely we have attained that,” Dr Masuka said. He highlighted Mashonaland West’s significance as the highest wheat-producing province, calling for it to be the epicentre of national agricultural efforts.
Presently, the Government is identifying highly productive farmers in the province to address any planting deficits, while those who planted late continue their operations.
Dr Masuka expressed gratitude to wheat farmers for their contribution to cereal production.
“Our food security comes from maize and traditional grains for summer and wheat for winter,” he noted, emphasising the Government’s focus on replenishing the country’s strategic household reserves.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo called for the installation of more drying facilities to facilitate a smooth transition between summer and winter crops.
She also stressed the need for cheaper fertiliser and enhanced electricity availability to address issues like transformer thefts, which have affected approximately 1 300 hectares earmarked for winter wheat.
“As the breadbasket of the country, Mashonaland West Province should be prioritised so that our farmers can continue to produce,” she urged.
Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi, the Provincial Agritex director, advised farmers planting late to increase seed and fertiliser application for better yields.
Mr James Garakara, owner of Ghost Acres Farm, expressed optimism about achieving yields of 6 to 7 tonnes per hectare, surpassing both the national and provincial averages.
He called for support in acquiring drying technologies to enhance productivity.
Headman Katizagombo acknowledged the Government’s efforts in removing bottlenecks in agriculture, including improved fuel availability and reduced bureaucracy.
“We are happy as farmers and traditional leaders that President Mnangagwa and his Government have helped smoothen the agriculture sector for increased productivity,” he stated.
With strong Government support and a commitment from local farmers, the country is on track to not only meet but exceed its wheat production targets, reinforcing its status as a crucial contributor to Zimbabwe’s food security and agricultural success.
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