The government of Zimbabwe backs winter wheat season with water tariff reduction

Source: The Herald – Breaking news. Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Senior Reporter THE Government has come up with comprehensive strategies to ensure a successful winter wheat season, among them the 31 percent reduction in water charges for irrigation farmers, which will be backdated to the time when the crop was planted. The tariff reduction, which is yet to be gazetted, is part of a consolidated effort to cushion farmers from the high cost of wheat production, mainly driven by water and electricity charges. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this was part of a robust plan for winter cereals production this year. The plan, designed to address the El Niño drought concerns, prioritises wheat-based food security for the upcoming year and outlines a four-pronged approach, encompassing existing grain stocks, the anticipated inadequate summer harvest, imports and the crucial winter cereal production ...