Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
WHEAT farmers have expressed optimism to meet the 80 000 hectares targeted for this season after the Government assured them of uninterrupted power supply.

Government has made a commitment to support 65 000 hectares of the national wheat target, with the private sector funding the remaining 15 000 hectares.

The 80 000 hectares are expected to produce 415 000 tonnes.

Some farmers had over the years, been reluctant to grow wheat because of the high risk associated with the crop.

According to farmers, it was not viable to produce wheat as the power supply was erratic and some farmers ended up using generators for irrigation, increasing production costs.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) director Mr Paul Zakariya yesterday said farmers in wheat growing areas had intensified planting ahead of the deadline at the end of this week.

“It is highly likely that we will meet the target. If we fail to meet the target, we will be slightly below. Government has offered support and we also have private players who came through to support farmers this season,” he said.

“The assurance of uninterrupted power supply has motivated farmers to grow wheat this season. We have had fruitful meetings with the relevant stakeholders who include Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Ministry, Energy and Power development and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.”

Indigenous Commercial Farmers Union president Mrs Mayiwepi Jiti also confirmed that there was a lot of activity on the ground but expressed regret that some farmers got their inputs late.

“Power supply has improved this season but some farmers only received their inputs this week and are contemplating reducing their hectarage as they are afraid the late crop may be affected by the early rains.”

Agriculture expert Mr Ivan Craig said farmers could still continue to plant wheat up to end of May.

“The window for planting is still open and will only close at the end of this month. Those who still want to plant wheat need to make sure that they have enough water to cover the hectarage up to maturity,” he said.

“Timing is very critical. If wheat is planted and flowering coincides with frost, the heads won’t give the grain. If they flower in the sun, the heads won’t give the wheat or grain which we are after.”

Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri early this month confirmed that between 15 to 20 percent of the crop had already germinated while other farmers had intensified   planting.

Zimbabwe requires at least 400 000 tonnes of wheat a year and the country has been a net importer of wheat prompting Government to come up with a programme to encourage wheat production on all farms with reliable water sources.