Nyasha Simbisai Agriculture Correspondent
FARMERS have so far produced a cumulative 470 393 tonnes of wheat from 91 150 hectares harvested so far across different growing areas, as they race to complete harvesting and save the crop from early rains.
When mature wheat is caught in the rains, it suffers from pre-harvest sprouting — a condition where the grain begins to germinate inside the head before it can be harvested.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development through the Agricultural Development Advisory Services (ADAS) report revealed that harvesting had intensified and a national average yield of 5,2 tonnes per hectare has been recorded.
This season farmers planted 130 316 hectares of winter wheat, surpassing the national target of 125 000 hectares.
Most of the provinces surpassed their initial targeted hectarage.
According to the ADAS report, Mashonaland West recorded the highest wheat output, with 136 791 tonnes harvested from 22 352 hectares at an average yield of 6,1 tonnes per hectare.
Mashonaland Central produced 119 369 tonnes from 20 942 hectares, while Mashonaland East recorded 83 430 tonnes from 16 686 hectares.
Manicaland has so far harvested 14 691ha, yielding 38 197t at an average yield of 2,6t/ha while Midlands harvested 7 930ha, yielding 46 788t at an average yield of 5,9t/ha and Masvingo yielded 11 724 tonnes of wheat from the 2 931 ha harvested so far at an average yield of 4t/ha.
Matabeleland North harvested 1 933ha, yielding 11 985 tonnes of wheat at an average yield of 6,2t/ha. Matabeleland North has achieved the highest average yield per hectare.
Matabeleland South has so far harvested 3 685ha and produced 22 110t at an average yield of 6t/ha.
Wheat provides an additional source of grain for the national supply chain, with deliveries to designated storage facilities expected to contribute to food reserve accumulation.
This season, wheat was produced under the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), CBZ Agro-Yield, NMB Bank, the Presidential Input Programme among other financing arrangements.
Harvesting is being implemented through different production arrangements involving agricultural financing institutions, contractors, the Presidential Input Programme and self-financed farmers.
At least 293 combine harvesters were mobilised by the Government for wheat harvesting and strategically deployed to secure the crop.
Government has also strengthened post-harvest handling infrastructure, including the Grain Marketing Board smart silos with drying capabilities, while commercial grain dryers provide another option for farmers harvesting grain with elevated moisture levels.
Zimbabwe used to be a net importer of wheat, is now self-sufficient and is targeting to produce at least 662 000 tonnes of wheat this season.
Government progressively expanded wheat production through irrigation development, mechanisation, improved seed varieties, financing arrangements and increased participation by both commercial and smallholder farmers.
The immediate priority is now to secure the mature crop before sustained rains set in, preserving both grain quality and the gains made during the winter production season.
The grain security strategy also includes the use of artificial intelligence-powered silos to support management of the planned strategic reserve. This incorporates grain procurement, storage, household reserves and measures to reduce post-harvest losses.
