The Zimbabwe Wheat Board has announced that the industry is targeting the production of 400,000 tons of wheat this season to revitalize the agricultural industry for sustainable economic development in the long term.
The Zimbabwe Wheat Board Trust Chairperson, Given Mesoemvura said, “We have come together with the main objective of making agriculture great again in this country for sustainable economic development in the long term.”
“The 400,000 tons wheat target is realistic, and as farmers, we are confident of revitalizing the wheat industry back to where it belongs,” a Commercial Farmers Union representative, Roy Linfield said.
Dr. Prince Kuipa, a member of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union stated, “The potential is there. We only need to utilize effectively the land and water bodies that we have in the country, otherwise we are on the course of achieving agricultural success.”
In furtherance to his speech, he disclosed that most farmers are being faced with financial constraints, which has contributed to farmers’ inability in purchasing equipment and inputs due to the high parallel exchange rates.
However, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos assured that the Government of Zimbabwe was ready to facilitate enhanced wheat production in the country.
“Agricultural development and food security remain a top priority for the Government because of its huge contribution to rural transformation, food security and economic growth and wheat occupies a central role in stimulating demand for several sectors, hence the government stands ready to offer the necessary support,” he highlighted.
He further stated, “The Government thrust is to see more millers and other private players joining contract farming to ensure 40 percent of raw materials are achieved by the private sector and they will get 60 percent from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).”
Reports highlight that the initiative has come as a good news to the country when wheat demand has unexpected risen up.
“Agricultural development and food security remain a top priority for the Government because of its huge contribution to rural transformation, food security and economic growth”
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