Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
FARMERS have been implored to work around the clock to expedite and complete winter wheat harvesting before November to avoid losses caused by moisture damage from the early summer rains.
Rain before or during wheat harvesting can cause sprouting, reduce grain quality and yield, delay the harvesting itself, while sprouting degrades the flour quality. Similarly, conditions can lead to lower test weights, discolouration, mold and lower market prices for the grain.
In an interview, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said to avoid losses, there was a need to speed up the winter wheat harvesting process.
“Farmers should be working 24 hours a day to ensure that they complete harvesting before November starts. These rains result in high moisture content, which creates an ideal environment for mold to grow, and in turn can produce harmful mycotoxins and spoil the grain,” he said.
“As the Government, we continuously encourage wheat farmers to stick to the calendar to avoid compromising the quality crop, as the affected crop may not be accepted for human consumption.”
He said that when exposed to increased moisture content, the wheat then required further drying, impacting the harvest schedule and overall profitability of farmers.
Zimbabwe Farmers union (ZFU) secretary-general Mr Paul Zakariya said the late-planted wheat was mostly under threat from the early rains that have started across parts of the country.
“The early crop has already been harvested. We are concerned about the quality of wheat, which is already affected in the fields. Planning is very important. In all things to do with agriculture, farmers are advised to be on time and work with local experts who will advise on the spot,” he said.
He said rain can damage wheat, but normally light and scattered rain, while wetting wheat does little damage so long as there is good dry weather straight after.
Wheat that cannot dry out, or wheat that is pushed down and lies on the ground, will be damaged and start rotting.
Zimbabwe is expecting a record 600 000 tonnes of winter wheat this year after more than 120 000 hectares were planted this season.
The country has achieved wheat self-sufficiency every year since 2021 and has continued this trend. In the previous seasons, farmers have produced wheat that covers nine months’ supply of local demand.
