Farmers in Midlands province have turned their attention to this year's winter wheat crop after experiencing severe crop losses during the summer season due to prolonged dry spells.

Midlands provincial crop and livestock officer, Mrs Medline Magwenzi, said they have started registering interested farmers and confirmed that inputs from the Presidential Input Scheme are available and will be distributed before the winter season.

The province is aiming to put 10 000 hectares of land under wheat, surpassing last year's target of 9 000ha, and an increase of 8 000 tonnes from the 2022 harvest, which was a significant contribution to the 360 000 tonnes national demand.

Early planting is expected to begin in mid-April.

"We've started the registration of farmers under wheat production, and most farmers are registering all irrigable land, which is an indication of great commitment towards food security," said Mrs Magwenzi.

"The farmers will get inputs from the Presidential Input Scheme including various partners. Land preparation will start soon and farmers are keen to produce a good winter crop to cushion our reserves."

Mrs Magwenzi said with early planting expected to start in the second week of next month, farmers in the province are optimistic that they will surpass the last seasonal harvest.

"Farmers will start winter planting in mid-April and this should increase yields because wheat yields are normally reduced when planting is delayed," she said.

The summer season has left many farmers grappling with losses due to erratic rainfall patterns countrywide.

Zimbabwe is reeling under El Nino effects, with below-normal rainfall being recorded across the country.

Most farmers planted between December and January when moderate rains were received.

Source - https://www.chronicle.co.zw