36 000 tonnes of wheat harvested 

Online Reporter 

More than 36 000 tonnes of wheat have been harvested from 7 652 hectares of the early planted crop, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Combined Winter Wheat Progress Report has revealed.

The bulk of the crop is at physiological maturity and in good condition, with harvesting expected to shift a gear up before month-end.

Zimbabwe is expected to achieve wheat self-sufficiency this year for the first time since production of the cereal began in the 1960s.

Output is forecast to reach 380 000 tonnes against annual demand of 360 000 tonnes.

By Friday, Manicaland province had the largest hectarage harvested at 1 771 ha, followed by Mashonaland West (1 728ha) and Mashonaland Central (1 558 ha).

Mashonaland East had harvested 959 ha, Midlands 549 hectares and Masvingo 493 ha.

Matabeleland South had harvested 409 ha, with Matabeleland North at 185 ha.

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services chief director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said wheat harvesting had gained momentum since last week.

“Harvesting started in the first week of October when we were on about 3 400 hectares and about 17 600 tonnes were obtained. GMB delivery is also being done,” he said.