The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) has said preparations for the 2015-16 winter wheat farming season are underway, but indications are that few farmers are taking up the crop due to financial hardships. ZFU president Mr Abdul Nyathi said that farmers lacked financial support in the upcoming season. “The preparations for the 2015-16 winter wheat are underway but few farmers are preparing because we do not have money to finance the crop and no financial institution has come forth,” he said.

Mr Nyathi said farmers were also discouraged by low prices for wheat that were offered by the Grain Marketing Board that were below production costs.

“Most farmers have abandoned the crop because the GMB is not buying the crop at favourable prices. The farmer has to meet fertiliser, electricity or diesel, seed (costs) so all that needs to be financed,” he said.

ZFU projects that the country would be able to produce about 13 000 tonnes of wheat, half last year’s production.

The country consumes about 450 000 tonnes of wheat each year. — New Ziana.