Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
FARMERS have surpassed last season’s winter wheat planting record, with more than 123 000 hectares already established as of June 14, putting the country on course to achieve its 125 000-hectare target as the winter planting cut-off date arrives today.
Traditionally, the winter wheat planting deadline falls on May 31 to allow crops sufficient time to establish under optimal winter conditions ahead of harvesting.
However, due to prolonged wet conditions that delayed the summer harvest and slowed land preparation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development extended the deadline to June 15 to provide farmers with additional time to reach the national target of 125 000 hectares.
In an interview, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the extension, combined with strong coordination among key stakeholders, had enabled the country to maintain planting momentum and surpass last season’s performance.
He made the remarks while touring winter wheat fields in Goromonzi yesterday to assess farmers’ performance ahead of the official closing of the winter wheat planting window.
He visited Springs Farm owned by Mr Joseph Macheka, where 60 hectares of wheat have been established under a fully functional centre pivot irrigation system.
“We have surpassed what we achieved last season. Last season we ended on 122 000 hectares. This year already, by the 14th of June, we had surpassed 123 000 hectares,” said Prof Jiri.
“We anticipated that by today (yesterday), the 15th of June, we would be able to hit our 125 000 target, which is very much within reach.”
Prof Jiri said more than 128 000 hectares had been registered by farmers, indicating their intention to plant wheat, reflecting strong confidence in the winter wheat programme despite prevailing input and global supply challenges.
Farmers had continued to demonstrate resilience and commitment, supported by coordinated efforts from key utilities and partners.
Added Prof Jiri: “We would want to emphasise that it is through the resilience of our farmers and through the cooperation of our partners, Zesa, Zinwa and other stakeholders who contributed to this wheat strategy, that this has been achieved.”
He said farmers continued to invest in wheat production despite challenges linked to fertiliser availability and global disruptions.
Zimbabwe’s grain security position remained stable, Prof Jiri said, supported by strong Strategic Grain Reserve stocks, which continue to cushion the country against supply shocks.
He also said concerns over possible increases in bread and mealie-meal prices were unfounded, given current national reserves.
Deliveries to the Grain Marketing Board are also ahead of last year, signalling a stronger harvest season and improved national production outlook.
“These figures were taken before the close of the planting day, with mop-up planting still ongoing in some areas as farmers were finalising establishment under irrigation,” said Prof Jiri.
“We are confident that these final mop-up efforts today (Monday) will meet or even surpass, the 125 000-hectare national target once all submissions have been fully captured and verified. The final figures will be released in due course as comprehensive collation and verification of winter wheat hectarage is completed.”
