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Minister Shamu

Heather Charema Mash West Correspondent
MASHONALAND West Province is set to increase the hectarage under agricultural production for the 2017-18 summer cropping season.

Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Webster Shamu said the province was set to treble the hectarage under production, including under Command Agriculture, from 70 000 hectares last year to 250 000ha this year, with 25 000ha reserved for soyabeans.

“We witnessed serious production last season when our silos filled up to the maximum in the early stages of harvesting,” he said.

“Our farming in Mashonaland West should reach a new level, let us work hard and increase our yield in this province.

“Next year, we want to increase hectarage for both Command and non-Command Agriculture; this will ensure our national food security.

“Our provincial target for both Command and non-Command Agriculture is 250 000ha and for soyabeans we are targeting 25 000ha, which will allow us to feed the province.

“We want to commend the implementation of Command Agriculture, which has allowed us to perform.”

Mashonaland West topped in winter wheat production last season.

Provincial agronomist Mrs Siyena Makaza recently hailed the farmers for performing exceptionally well in the just-ended winter wheat season due to farming inputs that were availed on time by relevant stakeholders, including Government.

“I want to applaud the province for performing exceptionally well in the winter wheat cropping season as compared to previous winter seasons,” she said.

“This year’s good harvest can be attributed to timely distribution of inputs to farmers.”