Staff Reporter
The 2020/21 agricultural farming season has more than doubled its production of wheat, maize, small grains, tobacco and cotton compared to the previous 2019/20 farming season, with wheat attaining the 3rd highest production since independence.
Speaking during the 26th Post Cabinet press briefing, Minister Monica Mutsvanga advised that, though the nation had slightly missed the mark by a few hectares in wheat production, it managed to come third since independence.
“The nation is advised that of the 85 000 hectares that had been planned for wheat, 66 435 86 hectares were planted for the Presidential, National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS)/Command/CBZ Agro-Yield and Private Sector Schemes.
This is about 78% of the target area and 50% above last year. The area planted of 66 435.86 hectares is the third highest since independence and is only surpassed by plantings in 2004 (70585 ha) and 2005 (67 261 ha),” said Minister Mutsvangwa
Minister Mutsvangwa pointed out that Government was making every effort possible to ensure that farmers are timeously paid for their crops, indicating that a substantial amount had already been paid.
“All grain (wheat, maize, traditional grains and soya beans) delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to dated is valued at ZW$23 199 330 820.50, of which ZW$14 380 659 019.45 has been paid to farmers, giving an outstanding balance of ZW$9 367 983 410.25,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Both Tobacco and Cotton surpassed production of the 2019/20 farming season.
Minister Mutsvangwa affirmed that saying, “Cabinet reports that cumulative sales for tobacco were 199.6 million kilogrammes valued at US$555 million, compared to the 176 million kilograms valued at US4440 million that were sold during the similar period last year.
“Cotton intake, a total of 82 189 metric tonnes valued at ZW$4.6 billion have been received at Cottco depots. This intake has surpassed the 2019/20 figure despite being 55% of the targeted deliveries. Furthermore, Cottco has paid ZW$690 876 402.60 and US$1 296 588.00,” Mutsvangwa said.
Meanwhile the Government will significantly reduce the import bill as the crop that is currently being held by GMB is enough to feed the nation and guarantee food security especially with the vulnerable families.
