Maize production to increase
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/
Zimbabwe’s maize production is expected to increase this year, but it will
still fall short of the required amount, The United nations has confirmed.
06.10.1102:48pm
by Ngoni Chanakira Harare
In a report made available to The Zimbabwean, the UN said the area planted
for the 2010/2011 season was 2 096 035 hectares with an average yield of
0,69 metric tonnes per hectare.
“The increase in maize production is mainly attributed to more hectares put
under the crop and better yields in the high potential producing areas,” the
report said.
After assessments conducted in April this year, estimates for the national
cereal production for the 2010/2011 season stood at 1 607 700 metric tonnes
against an estimated national requirement of 1 717 800 metric tonnes.
“Maize production increased by nine percent in 2010/2011 compared to the
previous season,” the report said.
However, food security remains a pressing issue for the GNU with
achievements at risk from a protracted “dry spell which affected six out of
the 10 provinces early this year”.
It said the increasing attention that humanitarian players were giving to
agriculture “is demanding an even stronger and more effective coordination
structure”.
“Continuous monitoring of the agricultural sector, with technical
assessments are key components of the co-ordination,” the report said.