THE government has called on wheat farmers to complete harvesting their crop before the onset of rains, which could significantly impact the quality of the harvest.
Approximately 121 000 hectares were put under winter wheat this year with farmers expected to produce more than 600 000 tonnes compared to 468 000 tonnes last season.
Lands, Agriculture and Rural Development chief director Leonard Munamati said delays in harvesting would pose a risk to the wheat quality.
“I call on farmers to complete their wheat harvesting before the onset of the rains, which could significantly impact the quality of the crop as the summer season is just around the corner,” Munamati said.
He said the wheat farmers had increased cultivation to 120 000 hectares compared to the previous season.
“This year has seen a remarkable increase in wheat cultivation, with farmers planting a record 120 000 hectares. As we reached last weekend, we managed to harvest more than 37 000 hectares,” Munamati said.
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“Now we have about 194 000 metrics tonnes of wheat and we know that this wheat is going to be sold in different areas while some are taking it to GMB and so on.”
Meanwhile, Pious Makaya, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) chief director, said the government was committed to livestock management ahead of rainy season.
“With vector borne diseases posing a significant threat to the livestock industry, the DVS is implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks associated with tick-borne.
“Tick-borne infections which are responsible for approximately 60% of annual livestock fatalities in Zimbabwe and the government unwavering commitment to livestock management as the country braces for the upcoming rainy season.
“We are now in the leanest period of the season, which is the most difficult. It is now only a short period before we start receiving effective rains, so let us soldier on livestock.”
He said the department had implemented strategies to control tick borne diseases.
“The DVS has adopted the Integrated Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Control Strategy, which includes strategic dipping, tick-borne disease vaccines and a Dip Tank Rehabilitation Programme.
“They also engagesswd in vaccine production, disease surveillance, and the development of barrier laboratory diagnostic services,” he said.