Maravi

(HERALD) Varsity strikes wheat growing deal

Varsity strikes wheat growing deal
Thursday, 15 September 2011 02:00
Chinhoyi Bureau

Chinhoyi University of Technology has put a massive 300 hectares of land under wheat under a strategic partnership with the Zimbabwe National Army and Chinese investors.

Under the partnership, the varsity received at least 15 tractors, five combine harvesters, boom sprayers and other farm implements, which have boosted the university's capacity.

CUT marketing and public relations director Mr Musekiwa Tapera said the university lacked capacity in terms of equipment and capital to fully utilise the farm.

"Through the partnership we have managed to get capital and other equipment that has seen us managing to increase the hectarage for the wheat crop. We lacked capacity to fully utilise the land from internal sources so this arrangement has come as a blessing to the university," he said.

At least 1 200 tonnes of wheat are expected from the irrigated crop at the thriving 1 918ha farm.

He said the partnership was not only beneficial to the university but students from the School of Agriculture Science and Technology through attachment arrangements, research and practical work.
"While the overall role of a university is research, teaching and community service, this arrangement ensures that our students have an opportunity for practical experience along the commercial set up at the farm," he said.

Labels: AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITIES, WHEAT

posted by MrK @ 5:06 PM