Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE Government has extended the winter wheat planting deadline from May 31 to June 15 after prolonged wet conditions delayed harvesting of summer crops and slowed land preparation across the country.
The chief director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi, said farmers had planted more than 91 000 hectares out of the targeted 125 000 hectares by May 31, representing about 73 percent of the national target.
She said the unusually wet summer season had left maize, soybeans and traditional grains with high moisture content, delaying harvesting and affecting the transition into winter wheat production.
“As we speak right now, we have planted over 91 000 hectares out of our 125 000 hectares, which is about 73 percent,” said Mrs Magwenzi.
“Most of the maize crop, soybeans and even traditional grains are still in the fields and because of that, we cannot transition smoothly to winter wheat production.”
The Government, she said, therefore extended the planting window to June 15 to allow farmers more time to clear fields and complete planting operations.
“Today is the 31st of May and we are happy that the Ministry and our principals have extended the planting date from the 31st to the 15th of June 2026,” she said.
“We are very hopeful that by then we will surpass our targets and finish according to our will.”
Mrs Magwenzi however warned that late planting would require farmers to adjust their agronomic practices to maintain good yields.
She said cooler temperatures associated with delayed planting could reduce tillering, forcing farmers to increase seed rates and fertiliser application.
“We need to make sure that we increase our seeding rate and we also need to increase our fertiliser application,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi said agronomists, provincial directors and specialists had been deployed across provinces to provide technical support and late-planting guidance to farmers.
She also encouraged farmers to take advantage of scattered showers being experienced in some parts of the country, saying the moisture was beneficial for germination and winter wheat establishment.
“These showers are good because they are keeping our ground moist and germination will be good,” she said.
“Please take advantage of these showers and continue planting.”
Mrs Magwenzi said irrigation schemes that were yet to plant should urgently utilise the extended window, adding that all support systems, including inputs, extension services and irrigation water, were available.
“Inputs are given. Support in terms of AGRITEX is there. Support in terms of water is there. All enablers are on hand,” she said.
“Come on board, farmers. Let us plant and make sure that by the 15th of June, we have accomplished in excess.”
