By Business Reporter| Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga has blamed the country’s banks for the nation’s low wheat production.

Speaking during his press conference on Friday morning, Chiwenga said the major challenge in wheat production is not productivity. He said the actual challenge is the continued reduction in the area under wheat production due to a number of challenges. He spoke as he introduced his presser, saying:

“Members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
“We thought it was necessary to give an update on the preparedness of the 2020 Winter Wheat Program, to you members of the press and eventually the generality of our people, in particular, our farmers.
“The country requires approximately 400,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, and it is currently achieving above 4 metric tonnes per hectare which compares well with other producing countries.
“The major challenge in wheat production is not productivity, the actual challenge is the continued reduction in the area under wheat production due to a number of challenges:
“Among these are inadequate water for irrigation, and requisite supply, high input costs, and late disbursements of funds which result in late distribution of inputs to farmers under the special program on wheat, maize and soya beans.
“This program is now funded by the commercial banks to address these challenges.
“It is against this background that the wheat production program is targeting to increase the area planted from 24,000 to 184,000 hectares achieved in 2019 to 80,000 hectares for 2020 winter season. Contract farming financed by commercial banks will target 65,000…”