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Elita Chikwati Senior Agriculture Reporter
Preparations for the 2018 winter cropping season have started, with farmers expressing worry that they may not be able to plant the required hectarage within the planting window.

Government has already started mobilising inputs to ensure early distribution to farmers and timely planting.

Lands, Agriculture and Irrigation Development Minister Perrance Shiri said this time around, farmers will access inputs for winter wheat early.

“Preparations for the 2018 season are at an advanced stage and Government has already mobilised half of the required inputs.

“We want to ensure inputs are distributed early to farmers. Now half of the wheat inputs have already been mobilised and we are waiting for the remaining amount,” he said.

Farmers are however worried that the 2018 winter cropping season may be affected by the late harvesting of 2017-18 season crops.

Most farmers plant wheat after harvesting their summer crops but this season most farmers are yet to start   harvesting.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Mr Wonder Chabikwa yesterday confirmed that the bulk of the summer crops were yet to get to maturity stage.