AGRICULTURE Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister, Joseph Made has urged farmers in Hurungwe to continue planting until the end of this month.

Minister Made was speaking during the launch of the Hurungwe West Development Association Heifer Scheme held at Sengwe Secondary School in Chief Nyamhunga's area last Saturday.

 The scheme, which was officially launched by Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration and Presidential Affairs Minister, Cde Didymus Mutasa, is the brainchild of businessman and Zanu-PF Hurungwe DCC chairman, Cde Themba Mliswa.

It aims at resuscitating the depleted national head through crossing-breeding heifers with beef master bulls rather than by the less profitable line breeding practised by most communal farmers.

Minister Made who said he was among the first extension workers to work with soya farmers in Hurungwe during the early 80s, urged farmers to continue planting since the district enjoyed a rainfall pattern that ensured good harvest.

He said that although the farmers' greatest challenge at the moment was lack of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, there was need to channel more top dressing to Hurungwe as most of its crops were very promising.

He said he was basing on the assessment he had made personally on his way to Sengwe that day. Supporting agriculture in Hurungwe, he said, also benefited the rest of the country since the area's grain had always been shipped to feed people in dry areas in Matabelaland region.