WASHINGTON DC —
Some farmers in Zimbabwe are worried that continuing electricity outages will affect this year’s winter wheat production resulting in shortages of some basic commodities and related agricultural products in the near future.
The farmers say the power outages are coming at a critical time when most of their crop in the fields is reaching the flowering stage which needs constant watering.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority blames the load-shedding on reduced power imports from Mozambique where repairs are said to be in progress at the Hydro Cahora Bassa Dam.
Outgoing Agriculture Minister Joseph Made on Saturday also blamed the load-shedding and newly resettled farmers for reducing the expected wheat output.
Farmers had this year projected to produce 30,000 tonnes of wheat after planting 4,500 hectares.
Agronomist Thomas Nherera said lack of support from the government is also affecting winter wheat farmers.
The farmers say the power outages are coming at a critical time when most of their crop in the fields is reaching the flowering stage which needs constant watering.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority blames the load-shedding on reduced power imports from Mozambique where repairs are said to be in progress at the Hydro Cahora Bassa Dam.
Outgoing Agriculture Minister Joseph Made on Saturday also blamed the load-shedding and newly resettled farmers for reducing the expected wheat output.
Farmers had this year projected to produce 30,000 tonnes of wheat after planting 4,500 hectares.
Agronomist Thomas Nherera said lack of support from the government is also affecting winter wheat farmers.
