… As they self-finance their farming projects

Agricultural Reporter

Agricultural analysts have hailed the new Zimbabwean farmers for having come of age, following their self-funding of the 2022/23 farming season, which has witnessed more cropping hectarage compared to the hectarage under the funded schemes.

According to a Source within the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), the 2022/23 summer cropping has hit over 60% of the targeted area as at 09 January 2023, thanks to the self-funding farmers.

“A total of 1 193 924 ha of maize has been planted under self-funding as at 09 January 2023, which is 61.5% of the targeted area of 1 940 million hectares.  This is 83% of maize planted area through self-funding.

“The planted area is 11.8% higher compared to the 1 062 669 ha, which was planted as at the same date last year,” said the source.

Meanwhile, the MLAFWRD has warned farmers not to continue planting after 15 January 2023, saying last year most farmers planted late, as it was a delayed season, which may be different from the current cropping season where rains were received early.  The continued planting beyond this date may hinder the achievement of targeted hectarage, as farmers will not be able to plant with the current incessant rains being received across the country.