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Blessings Chidakwa Mash West Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has applauded farmers in Mashonaland West Province for producing the best wheat since the beginning of the Land Reform. Farmers attributed their exceptional performance to timely distribution of inputs. They also expressed satisfaction with their performance despite challenges some farmers faced in securing combined harvesters, resulting in their crop being affected by early rains.

Mashonaland West provincial agronomist Mrs Siyena Makaza said the province performed exceptionally well in the winter wheat season due to farming inputs which where availed on time by relevant stakeholders in Government.

“I want to applaud the province for performing exceptionally well in the winter wheat cropping season compared to previous winter seasons,” she said. “This year’s good harvest can be attributed to timely distribution of inputs to farmers.”

Mrs Makaza said there was an increase in the number of farmers who planting the cereal this year.

“As of last year in Mashonaland West Province, only 6 000 hectares of wheat was planted, but this year 16 232 hectares was utilised,” she said.

A wheat farmer, Barnabas Maringire said Government should invest more in equipping farmers with the latest methods of farming the crop.

“We plead to Government to hold more seminars where farmers will be equipped with additional knowledge on growing the cereal, so that farmers produce quality wheat for export,” he said.

Wheat farmers are in the process of delivering their grains to various Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots countrywide.