Farmers urged to speed up winter wheat planting

Agriculture Reporter

OVER 15 000 hectares (ha) have been put under wheat production, with the Government calling on farmers to speed up planting.

The country plans to put 120 000ha under the cereal.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati said the early onset of winter and lower-than-usual temperatures demand swift planting to ensure optimal crop establishment.

“So, the winter season is now upon us and this is the time for our wheat farmers to expedite their planting,” he said.

“Once again, we have got a target of 120 000 hectares this year and so far, already 15 262 hectares have been planted, and we want to encourage our farmers to expedite this, because this season we have got an early winter; temperatures are already low, and we want farmers to establish their crop much earlier than the normal usual seasons. We won’t have farmers planting in June, because that would be very late.”

An ARDAS report released on Friday indicated that as at May 8, there had been significant land preparations and initial plantings.

Mr Munamati stressed the importance of adhering to the revised planting window to mitigate risks associated with late planting in colder conditions.

“So, all farmers should plant their wheat now and finish planting before the end of May,” he said.

The winter cropping plan extends beyond wheat, encompassing other crucial crops, such as barley and Irish potatoes.

He highlighted the importance of timely action across all winter crops.

“It is also good that some farmers are doing barley and others are also doing Irish potato, which are crops on the winter plan. So, farmers should expedite all this under the various programmes . . .”

The ARDAS report indicates potato production targets for the 2025 season across various provinces.

Mashonaland West province leads with a target of 84 000 tonnes (t) from a proposed 3 000ha, followed by Manicaland with a target of 56 000t from 2 000ha.

Overall, the national target for potato production this year is 236 250t from a planned 8 750ha.

Mr Munamati also called for swift finalisation of contracting arrangements under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.

This availability of irrigation water, Mr Munamati said, is crucial for supporting the winter wheat crop.

“This positive momentum from the summer season provides a favourable backdrop for the winter cropping efforts, provided farmers act swiftly in response to the early winter conditions,” he said.