GOVERNMENT is working on modalities to bring on board the private sector into contract wheat farming following models that have brought success in tobacco and cotton. Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made told the Senate on Thursday that wheat production had gone down drastically, with Government having inadequate resources to ensure an increase in yields.

"We know where we want to be and we are looking at engaging the millers, we want them to contract local farmers just like what Delta does," he said.

"Delta supports farmers to produce grain and we wonder why our millers are not supporting farmers. We cannot continue giving them permits (to import wheat) when we have land and dams that can be used to produce locally. They should also come in and support the farmers. So, we are engaging them on that and I am glad that some are showing an interest."