Brighton Gumbo Business Reporter
FARMERS have pegged the 2015/16 hectarage target for maize at 1,7 million compared to about two million last season citing rainfall uncertainty in wake of the El Nino effect. Planting has begun across the country, according to the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU), although most parts are yet to receive significant rains due to delays in the start of the rainy season.
The country is targeting a minimum of two million metric tonnes of maize this agricultural season through massive investment in irrigation to mitigate climatic change. ZCFU president Wonder Chabikwa said in areas that recently received heavy rain, germination has already started.
He said most farmers who had started planting were those with irrigation facilities while communal farmers were taking advantage of the showers received so far to intensify land preparation.
“We’ve a target of about 1.7 million hectares for maize plantation alone meaning a lot needs to be done to ensure that we get enough yield to feed the nation,” said Chabikwa.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for more than 10,7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 16 percent of exports and 60 percent of the raw materials being used by the domestic manufacturing industry.
Chabikwa said apart from the natural climate challenge, funding to modernise and retool irrigation infrastructure was still threatening farmers’ viability. “As farmers, we need funding because for a farmer to operate viably, there’s a need for money to ensure that our implements are up to standard with the modern farming practices,” said Chabikwa.
He cited foot and mouth and drought as major challenges for livestock farmers who continue to lose their cattle each year. “A number of farmers in the affected areas have started destocking. Those that can’t move their livestock for direct slaughter due to the foot and mouth scare are losing out,” said Chabikwa.
The 2014/15 agricultural season registered a 51percent decline in maize production compared to the 2013/14 season due to drought.