Weather conditions to hamper targets, says SAFADA

By SENIYA BANDATHE predication by Government that the country will this year produce about 650, 000 metric tonnes of soya beans is not attainable due to the current weather conditions,  says the Small-Scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA).SAFADA Executive Director Boyd Moobwe explained that due to erratic rainfall, most farmers planted late therefore the country will produce less than what Government has predicted.Mr Moobwe said the issue of late delivery of inputs in some areas will also contribute to the low production of soybeans.“There is need to do a crop survey to carefully determine the country‘s crop production,” he said.Recently, Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, said the country was expected to produce about 650, 000 metric tonnes of soybeans this year.