By 
Update on Preparations for the 2023/2024 Summer Season, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr. A.J. Masuka, it is notably that farmers are adopting recommended techniques especially during the El Nino condition.
The nation is informed that a total of 3 027 559 hectares was planted to crops during the 2023/2024 Summer Season, out of the targeted 3 674 000 hectares.
Of the total planted area, 1 676 274 hectares was planted to maize, 362 541 hectares to sorghum, 141 169 hectares to pearl millet, and 271 823 hectares to groundnuts.
A cumulative 2 283 272 metric tonnes of maize and 271 623 metric tonnes of traditional grains is expected from the planted area.
A total of 11 932 505 plots which are equivalent to 744 588 hectares had been prepared under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme by 20 November 2023, compared to the 5 867 292 plots equivalent to 366 706 hectares that had been prepared by 21 November, 2022 and 4 602 209 plots equivalent to 287 640 hectares by 19 November, 2021.
This is a reflection that farmers are adopting the recommended climate-proofing interventions, especially during the El Nino condition.
The nation is further being assured that there is adequate water for irrigation, with the national dam storage level at 84.8% as at 1 February, 2024. Cabinet also wishes to advise the public that the 31% reduction in water charges for farmers has since been effected.
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