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| Last Updated: Tue, 22 May 2007 13:36:59 +0300 |
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Early planted winter wheat germinates
Tue, 22 May 2007 12:49:52 +0300 - The early planted winter wheat crop has started germinating in various parts of the country with farmers paying tribute to ZESA holding for introducing a 20 hour irrigation window that is expected to improve production this season.
The early planted wheat crop at several farms across the country has germinated with some now at hardening stage.
Some farmers who planted their crop earlier are confident that there is still room to cover ground and the projected output can be achieved if the nation maximizes on yields per hectare.
The introduction of a 20 hour irrigation window period by ZESA holdings to allow farmers to conduct their full irrigation cycles has started paying dividends with most farmers who planted their crop early witnessing almost 100 percent germination due to availability of power supplies.
As most farmers venturing into winter wheat are the same who are growing tobacco, the move taken by the power utility will not only boost wheat production but also speed up the curing and grading of the golden leaf which is still underway at various farms.
The country has targeted 76 thousand hectares for wheat this season but a number of challenges have to be addressed in order to meet the target.
These include availability of tractors for tillage ,shortage of inputs and fuel. Observers feel that focus should now be shifted from wasting time talking about hectarege but to ensure that all those who are capable of planting during the recommended window period are given the necessary support and produce high yields per hectare. |
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