Bumper harvest expected at Antelope Irrigation Scheme

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

ANTELOPE Irrigation Scheme in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province, is poised for a bumper winter wheat harvest, with projections of 4,600 tonnes—up from 3,200 tonnes in the last harvest—expected to generate about US$2 million.

The irrigation scheme, owned by Arda, is leased to Southern Growers. Harvesting for the initial 350 hectares began on Monday, according to Chief Executive Officer Mr Deane Leroux.

“By the time we finish the first phase, I am sure the other crop will be ready for harvesting so we are not going to stop,” he said.

They are achieving about 7.8 tonnes per hectare, which, according to Mr Leroux, far exceeds initial expectations.
“We are extremely excited, not only about the bumper harvest which is all but imminent but even by the quality and price of the crop,” said Mr Leroux.

He added that triple premium wheat is selling for $440 per tonne, while premium wheat goes for US$430 per tonne.

Mr Leroux praised other government agencies, especially the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), for their consistent and uninterrupted supply of electricity and water.
“I want to honestly give a pat in the back to Zesa and Zinwa. We never had any interruption in the supply of both electricity and water, something which we believe contributed to this wonderful harvest,” said Mr Leroux.

Southern Growers also operates the Ingwizi Irrigation Scheme in the same province, where 550 hectares were planted. Together, the two schemes contributed 1,150 hectares of wheat to the province’s total of 3,648 hectares, according to provincial Agritex officer Mr. Bheki Ncube.

“We have witnessed the first harvest of the winter crop here at Antelope and as a department we are so excited by what we are seeing, more so the yield figures which is 7.8 tonnes and this may go up because these figures are only in the first 45 hectares that have been harvested,” said Mr. Ncube.

He added that, compared to their initial target of six tonnes per hectare, the current figures indicate a clear bumper harvest.