Vusumuzi Dube
A diverse cross-section of stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has gathered in Bulawayo for the Winter Crop Revolution Conference, a strategic collaboration between Zimpapers and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
The one-day conference brings together key players, including farmers, tertiary institutions, seed companies, agricultural parastatals and representatives from water and power utilities.
The gathering seeks to deepen collective understanding of both the challenges and the untapped opportunities within Zimbabwe’s winter cropping landscape, with a particular emphasis on practical, scalable solutions.
Senior Business Reporter Nqobile Bhebhe will be giving live updates from the conference.
Professor Jiri to give keynote address at Winter Crop Revolution Conference
Permanent Secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri is expected to deliver a keynote address at the ongoing Zimpapers Winter Crop Revolution Conference.
Key sessions will spotlight the sustainability of wheat production, the expansion of potato cultivation, the diversification of winter crop varieties, handling post-harvesting and exploring local processing opportunities.
Special attention will be given to the growing potential of potatoes as a flagship winter crop, alongside discussions on the policy and regulatory environment, crop insurance and risk management strategies.
By leveraging its expansive media platforms, Zimpapers is playing a pivotal role in convening key voices, elevating critical agricultural issues and driving informed dialogue.
This form of media-led advocacy is essential in mobilising cross-sectoral collaboration toward a more resilient and food-secure Zimbabwe.
Stakeholders Urged to Seize Opportunities at Winter Crop Revolution Conference
Agriculture stakeholders have been urged to take full advantage of the ongoing Winter Crop Revolution Conference, hosted by Zimpapers in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, to deepen their knowledge, forge partnerships and sow the seeds of a more resilient and productive agricultural future.
Delivering welcome remarks at the conference, Zimpapers Intake Editor in Bulawayo and Acting Principal of the Zimpapers Training Institute, Mr Limikani Ncube stressed that the event is more than a gathering — it is a strategic platform for collaboration, innovation,and shared learning.
“We are truly delighted to have such a dedicated group of government officials, farmers, researchers, agronomists, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered here today, united by a shared commitment to advancing winter crop production,” said Mr Ncube.
“This conference is not just an event — it’s a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation,” he reiterated.
Mr Ncube noted that as Zimbabwe faces increasingly complex climate conditions, shifting market dynamics and mounting pressure on agricultural systems, there is a pressing need to focus on sustainable and high-yield winter cropping strategies.
“As we face evolving climate conditions, market dynamics and growing demands on our agricultural systems, the importance of resilient, productive, and sustainable winter cropping has never been greater,” he said.
The conference, he added, will explore the latest research, cutting-edge technologies, and practical strategies that are shaping the future of winter crop production in Zimbabwe. He encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity to exchange ideas, expand their knowledge base, and cultivate meaningful collaborations.
The one-day conference brings together a broad cross-section of agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, tertiary institutions, seed companies, agricultural parastatals and representatives from water and power utilities.
The gathering aims to strengthen collective understanding of both the challenges and untapped opportunities in Zimbabwe’s winter cropping sector, with a particular focus on actionable, scalable solutions to enhance productivity and food security.
Winter wheat preparations underway as Zimbabwe builds on record harvest
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) Matabeleland North director, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, has assured stakeholders that preparations for winter wheat farming are progressing well across the country.
He made the remarks during the ongoing Winter Crop Revolution Conference, hosted by Zimpapers in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
Mr Ndlovu said both Matabeleland North and South provinces are poised to scale up wheat production this season.
“Matabeleland North has the potential to cultivate up to 5,000 hectares, while Matabeleland South is targeting around 2,500 hectares. Nationally, we are looking at commanding 120,000 hectares,” he said.
He also confirmed that fertilizer distribution will begin soon, with supplies already being received by the government.
“We’ve started engaging key players in wheat production. Fertiliser is being delivered, and distribution will commence shortly. Preparations are well underway, and everything is in place to ensure we meet our national targets,” Mr Ndlovu added.
Seed suppliers at the conference also assured farmers that there would be adequate stocks of improved seed varieties available for the season.
The conference comes in the wake of a historic agricultural achievement — a record-breaking national wheat harvest of 563 961 tonnes in the previous season, surpassing the 2022 output of 467 000 tonnes.
This marks the highest yield since the introduction of commercial wheat farming in 1966 and secures Zimbabwe’s wheat self-sufficiency for the third consecutive year.
Building on this momentum, the Winter Crop Revolution Conference aims to replicate this success across other critical winter crops in the upcoming 2025 planting season.
Key sessions at the indaba are focusing on sustainable wheat production, the expansion of potato farming, the diversification of winter crop varieties, improved post-harvest handling, and local processing opportunities.
Particular emphasis is being placed on the growing potential of potatoes as a flagship winter crop.
Other focal areas include policy and regulatory frameworks, crop insurance, and risk management strategies.
By harnessing its extensive media platforms, Zimpapers is playing a pivotal role in convening key stakeholders, spotlighting vital agricultural issues, and promoting evidence-based dialogue.
This form of media-driven advocacy is seen as critical to fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and building a more resilient, food-secure Zimbabwe.
Government’s import substitution policy boosts potato production
Potato production is a highly lucrative venture for farmers, but it also carries significant risks of loss if not properly managed.
This was highlighted during a discussion on the crop’s potential at a high-impact Winter Crop Revolution Conference hosted by Zimpapers, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
The government has recognised potatoes as a strategic crop crucial for enhancing food security at both the household and national levels.
To support this, the government introduced several measures, including a ban on the import of table potatoes since 2010.
This policy was aimed at shielding local farmers from unfair competition posed by cheaper potato imports from neighboring countries.
During the conference, renowned investor and farmer Mr Brent LeReux, who operates in Jotsholo, Matabeleland North, discussed the challenges and rewards of potato farming.
Speaking on the topic of potatoes as a major winter crop, he emphasised that while potato farming can be profitable, it requires careful management.
He warned of the significant risks involved, especially if farming practices are not followed closely.
“It’s a very lucrative crop, but it’s an expensive crop if you borrow money and it’s not a success. If you miss a spray, plant at the wrong time, or let a disease take hold before you catch it, the potato crop will be a disaster,” Mr le Reux said.
He added, “So it’s got to be approached in small parts, and many of the challenges revolve around that.”
One of the main issues identified by Mr LeReux was the quality of seed potatoes.
He pointed out that despite the growing demand for potatoes, the country faces a major hurdle in sourcing quality seed.
“Many of the challenges revolve around seed, and unfortunately our country does not have a good seed base. For all farmers, large and small, getting good quality seed is a problem.
Unfortunately, the seed that we get into the country, from South Africa, is prone to disease,” he explained.
Changes in consumption patterns have also contributed to the increased demand for potatoes.
Many families are moving away from a maize-centric diet, incorporating more potatoes, rice, and wheat-based products like macaroni into their meals.
The government’s push for import substitution through local production has led to a remarkable 100 increase in homegrown table potato cultivation.
This surge is a direct result of farmers working in collaboration with agro-processors through off-take arrangements that offer enhanced production, better market access, and long-term sustainability.
ZINWA assures farmers of sufficient water for winter wheat production
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has assured farmers that there is enough water available to meet the country’s winter wheat production goals.
Speaking at the ongoing Winter Crop Revolution Conference in Bulawayo, which is hosted by Zimpapers in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Zinwa spokesperson Mrs Marjorie Munyonga stressed the importance of registering with ZINWA to secure water allocations for the upcoming season.
“We are currently in the process of registering farmers for water allocation,” she said. “We encourage all farmers to register, and many have already done so, signing agreements for their water usage.”
Mrs Munyonga explained that ZINWA uses an allocation system where farmers apply for the amount of water they require.
“For example, if a farmer applies for 20 megalitres, we reserve that amount in the dam they requested,” she added.
She also noted that ZINWA is actively conducting awareness campaigns to ensure farmers are fully informed about the registration process.
When asked about the availability of water for the winter season, Mrs Munyonga reassured the conference attendees: “We have enough water in our dams to meet the wheat production target set by the government.”
This year, the Zimbabwean government has set an ambitious target of planting 120 000 hectares of winter wheat, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural production.
The plan is expected to produce 600 000 tonnes of wheat, surpassing last year’s output of 562 591 tonnes and exceeding the national self-sufficiency requirement of 360 000 tonnes.
The 2025 winter wheat plan is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen food security and reduce the nation’s wheat import bill. It is also designed to build on the successes of the 2024 Wheat-Based Food Security initiative, which has laid the groundwork for these enhanced production goals.
Online Reporter