Heather Charema in Chegutu
WINTER wheat farmers here are hopeful of a more than satisfactory season following the improved and timely disbursement of Command Agriculture inputs, an official has said.

Optimism is also high that Chegutu farmers will surpass last season’s record of wheat produced under the Command Wheat Programme.

According to the District Agritex Office, at least 33 farmers are participating in winter wheat farming this season, with a contracted area of 1 500 hectares.

Three other self-sponsored farmers have planted 249ha.

In an interview, Chegutu District agronomist Mrs Nola Marumbwa said the crop situation was impressive.

“Most of the wheat in the district is at emergence to tillering stage and we are not facing any challenges as of now.

“The situation is very impressive this year, considering that last year we had a late crop due to input shortages which forced farmers to miss planting deadlines,” she said.

She said the late planted crop was affected by the onset of rains last year.

“This had a negative impact on our produce, which saw our farmers producing under grade wheat which failed to meet the designated producer price,” Mrs Murambwa said.

Government is sponsoring winter wheat production to increase yields, while reducing the import bill on the crop. Mrs Marumbwa commended the Command Wheat programme, which has boosted the winter crop production in Chegutu district.

“We are grateful that the Command Wheat programme has boosted our wheat production in the district.

“This year the majority of our farmers received the full package of inputs on time,” she said.

Government has targeted a total of 67 000 hectares for the 2018 winter wheat season countrywide, with 50 000 hectares being funded by Sakunda, while a further 17 000 hectares will be funded by other contractors.