Which provinces produce the most maize?
Mashonaland West produces the most maize, followed by Mashonaland East and the Midlands. Matabeleland North, traditionally not a maize-growing region, is expected to ramp up output this year.
How are crops funded?
Most food crop farmers fund themselves, facing the brunt of rising input costs. Self-financing accounts for 60% of total food crop production.
For maize, the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), formerly known as Command Agriculture, accounts for nearly half of the crop. It is funded by CBZ and AFC, who lend to farmers and get government guarantees.
In the 2022-3 season, the maize harvest from CBZ funding is estimated at 750 000 tonnes, at an average yield of 5 tonnes/ha, while AFC is projected to produce 330 000 tonnes, averaging a 6 tonne/ha yield.
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