Adequate water, power for wheat

Theseus Shambare

Zimbabwe is well-positioned to achieve another successful winter wheat season, with Government assuring farmers of adequate water reserves and guaranteed electricity supply to support irrigation.

An assessment by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development revealed that water levels in 151 major dams are sufficient to irrigate 120 000 hectares of wheat for the next two years, even under drought conditions.

This capacity is envisaged to comfortably support the country’s goal of producing 600 000 tonnes of wheat this season, surpassing last year’s record harvest of 563 961 tonnes.

During a media tour of wheat fields and Mazowe Dam on Tuesday, Lands Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the Government planning and investment had placed the country in a strong position to sustain uninterrupted wheat production.

“We have sufficient water and electricity ring-fenced for wheat irrigation,” said Prof Jiri.

“This is part of our deliberate effort to ensure food security and import substitution.

“The dams are holding enough water to irrigate all the planted wheat even if we experience two consecutive droughts.”

He attributed this resilience to proactive planning and strategic investment in infrastructure development under the Horticultural Recovery and Accelerated Irrigation Development programmes, launched in 2021.

These initiatives, he said, have played a key role in expanding irrigated land and enhancing climate resilience through improved water harvesting and management.

“Water harvesting and irrigation expansion have been key in building climate resilience,” he added.

“Through these programmes, we have been able to steadily increase irrigated land and ensure availability of water for key crops like wheat.”

To complement water availability, the Government has directed power utility, Zesa, to ensure a stable and dedicated electricity supply for irrigation schemes throughout the winter season.

Prof Jiri said there is growing private sector involvement, including support from banks and agro-dealers in contract farming and mechanisation, which is critical for increasing productivity.

“This year’s crop is promising,” Prof Jiri said.

“Farmers are adhering to agronomic guidelines and with the continued support from the Government and stakeholders, we are confident of surpassing last year’s milestone.”

Zimbabwe is one of only two countries in Africa, alongside Ethiopia, that produce wheat at scale.

Reaching the 600 000-tonne target would further strengthen the country’s position in achieving food sovereignty and reducing wheat imports.