Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Online Reporter
THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has set ambitious production targets for the 2025 winter wheat farming season of 120 000 hectares (ha) aimed at boosting national food security and generating a surplus for export.
Speaking during a National Assembly sitting on Wednesday, the Minister of Lands. Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka revealed that the Government plans to cultivate the set hectares across five key production schemes that include Presidential Inputs, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), private sector partnerships, Government-enabled programs, and the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS).
He said the targeted wheat output is 600 000 metric tonnes, with 360 000 metric tonnes expected to meet domestic consumption needs, leaving a surplus for export.
“We are very prepared for the winter cropping season. The plan is to put 120 000 ha of wheat under the five growing schemes, presidential inputs, ARDA, private sector, Government enabled, the NEAPS and private sector financing to produce 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat, of which 360 000 will be our domestic consumption,” said Dr Masuka.
He said the nation has a surplus and they hope that they will be able to start exporting in earnest
Dr Masuka assured the nation that preparations for the winter season were well advanced, with most inputs secured. However, he acknowledged a minor shortfall in wheat seed, though he expressed optimism that farmers would supplement supplies with retained seed from previous harvests.
“We do have a small shortfall in terms of wheat seed, but I think farmers will be able to use retained seed. So, we have very good preparations. We are tracking on a weekly basis, 21 enablers for this season, inclusive of power, finance, pests, payments and everything else,” said Dr Masuka.
In addition to wheat, the Government has set a target of 8 750 ha for irish potato production, recognising its growing importance as a staple food for about 15 percent of Zimbabwe’s population.
Barley production, primarily driven by Delta Corporation for malt used in brewing is also set to expand with 6 750 ha earmarked for cultivation. Dr Masuka said that this would not only meet local demand but also support regional exports.
If achieved, the surplus wheat production could mark a turning point in the nation’s agricultural sector, reducing reliance on imports and opening new export opportunities.
@nyeve14
Peter Tanyanyiwa