Farmers ready for summer cropping, as wheat harvesting nears completion

Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub

FARMERS’ preparations for summer cropping are advancing well as wheat harvesting nears completion around the country, with indications for a record-breaking 600 000 tonnes of wheat.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Matabeleland North acting director, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu has confirmed solid progress in national agricultural activities, especially in winter wheat harvesting.

“76.4 percent of the wheat planted has already been harvested, with an impressive average yield of 6.48 tonnes per hectare. The province anticipates concluding the harvest by 30 October. To avoid weather disruptions, some farmers are even harvesting at night,” he said.

He also highlighted strong momentum in summer cropping preparations under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, with over 185 360 plots have been prepared so far, with districts across the province fully engaged.

Mr Ndlovu said farmers are receiving training on climate-smart agriculture, weather patterns, and crop selection.

“Agro-dealers have begun stocking early-maturing seed varieties and dry planting traditions remain strong in areas like Tsholotsho. Farmers are proactively exchanging and buying seeds among themselves,” he said.

On livestock, he said that farmers were using tractors for tillage to ramp up fodder production, particularly for dairy and breeding.

Mr Ndlovu said over 200 farmers in one district have registered for this initiative, while partnerships with seed producers in Hwange and Umguza are ensuring availability of legumes and grasses, with the province targeting 50 000 hectares.