A strong sense of optimism filled the air at the Goromonzi Commercial Farmers’ Association winter wheat pre-planting workshop held recently, a crucial engagement that brought together farmers and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The collaborative spirit underscored the collective commitment to ensuring a successful winter wheat season, building upon the achievements of the previous year.
The presence of the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) at the workshop highlighted the critical role of reliable power supply in achieving food security.
ZETDC’s followed recent assurances by Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo, regarding sufficient power supply for the winter cropping season.
The success of last year's harvest, bolstered by similar support, served as an encouraging precedent for the attendees.
ZETDC commercial services engineer Samson Masimba assured farmers of full support for a successful season.
Masimba, however, urged farmers to pay their bills to enable the power utility to provide the service adequately, and also encouraged those with solar systems to join the ZETDC net metering scheme, which allows them to sell excess energy back to the grid, thus reducing their bills.
The diverse range of organisations underscored the multi-faceted approach required for successful wheat production.
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Other stakeholders that attended the workshop included Seedco, which emphasised the importance of selecting quality seed varieties with disease resistance and superior milling and baking qualities, while also advising farmers on optimal planting dates.
Kurima Centre, positioned as a one-stop shop for farmers, showcased their comprehensive offerings, including crop chemicals, veterinary drugs, irrigation solutions, and solar power systems.
Their commitment to supporting Goromonzi Commercial Farmers Association members was solidified by the announcement of a post-harvest credit scheme, a vital lifeline for many farmers.
Genesis Fertilisers Global Solutions, Humason Complex, and Intaba Trading focused on the crucial aspects of plant nutrition and soil health, advocating for good agronomic practices and the effective utilisation of soils, urging farmers to conduct thorough soil tests to determine precise nutrient requirements for optimal plant growth.
“This workshop serves as a testament to our proactive approach in equipping members with the knowledge and resources necessary for a successful winter wheat season,” said Justice Viano, the Goromonzi Commercial Farmers Association executive secretary, highlighting that the association has 120 members spanning the district from Shamva to Melfort.
