Winter wheat faces power, fuel hitches
Few farmers will this winter be able to produce wheat due to several challenges affecting the sector.
Farmers have cited shortages of fuel and electricity for irrigation as their major challenges, while others say they don’t have working capital.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Mr Wilson Nyabonda said though Zimbabwe had abundant water and seed, it did not have an efficient power system for wheat production.
“We require 210 megawatts for wheat production. If not addressed, Zimbabwe will never be a meaningful wheat producer,” he said.
Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union director Mr Paul Zakariya added: “After selling their crop some farmers may still fail to go back to the land because of lack of working capital and other operational costs.”
Mr Zakariya called on banks and contractors to save the situation.
ZFU chief economist Mr Prince Kuipa said farmers required US$764,24 to produce 2,5tonnes of wheat per hectare, and US$1 591 for a yield of 5,5 tonnes per hectare.
A target of 60 000 hectares had been set for winter wheat but this might not be met.
According to Mr Nyabonda, over the years, there has been a decrease in wheat production due to unavailability of inputs.
“Fertiliser and seed are readily available but not accessible to farmers. Financial institutions are offering short-term loans from 30 to 90 days with an average interest rate of US$16 per month.
“That is a deterrent for farmers not to go into wheat production,” he said.
Mr Nyabonda said farmers had to make business decisions.
“There is need for a major shift by both Government and the private sector on whether or not the country should produce wheat.
“If the answer is positive, then the two parties should take steps to ensure wheat farmers have uninterrupted supply of electricity, adequate fertilisers and working capital.”
Government has so far released US$10 million for the winter wheat season, half of what had been promised.