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a prolonged dry spell that recently hit the province.
A nationwide dry spell starting in January led to moisture stress but Government is optimistic that farmers can still harvest about 1,7 million tonnes of maize.
However, Masvingo’s seven districts are in a bad state.
Preliminary surveys by farmers’ organisations estimate that of the 320 000 ha put under maize, less than 100 000 ha will harvest meaningful produce.
Areas such as Mazare, Rippling Waters and Hwendedzo in the east are, however, doing well.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union Masvingo regional manager, Mr Jeremiah Chimwanda, said about 75 percent of the maize crop in the province was a write-off.
“The situation is beyond redemption.
“Most of the maize crop has already wilted and it’s a complete write-off,” said Mr Chimwanda.
There have been calls for Government to start moving grain to Masvingo and to re-introduce the food-for-work programme.
Government has also been urged to prioritise development of irrigation schemes in Masvingo and other arid provinces as rain-fed farming cannot guarantee national food security.