The Zimbabwean government sets target for winter wheat cropping

Source: Govt sets target for winter wheat cropping –Newsday Zimbabwe Government has set a target to cultivate 120 000 hectares of wheat and 7 000 hectares of barley for the upcoming winter cropping season, with US$27 million also needed to revive irrigation schemes at underutilised farms. Lands, Water, Agriculture and Rural Development minister Anxious Masuka revealed this in the National Assembly while responding to questions from legislators. “For the forthcoming winter cropping, a total of 137 000ha with functional irrigation has been identified with intentions to establish at least 120 000 ha under wheat and 7 000ha under barley,” Masuka said. “Some 16 000ha are requiring quick-fix rehabilitation in the form of power infrastructure, pumps, centre pivots and pipes have also been identified. “To bring these farms back to irrigation functionality, at least US$27 million is required and resources are currently being mobilised.” He said the ministry had running facilities with AFC ...