Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
AS Zimbabwe’s harvest season draws near, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi has urged farmers to preserve their grain through timely harvesting and proper storage.
Mrs Magwenzi stressed that timely harvesting and proper drying are essential not only to reduce losses but also to prepare land for the upcoming winter wheat planting season.
“Some farmers are a bit worried because of the rains that we keep receiving, with fears of losing crops to sprouting or rotting,” Mrs Magwenzi said, adding that farmers need to follow local weather forecasts and ensure that grains are dried properly before storage.
“Let’s use cribs that are well aerated and have good drainage so that even if it rains, water will not remain stagnant. This will allow the grain to remain in good condition,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi urged farmers to harvest their sorghum immediately and transfer it to properly ventilated cribs, as some of it is already sprouting in the fields.
She also encouraged farmers to make use of drying facilities at Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos, particularly those transitioning from maize to winter wheat production.
Mrs Magwenzi said agricultural business advisors (ABOs) are available to assist farmers in handling post-harvest challenges.
Provincial directors, their deputies and field supervisors are also available to provide support to ensure grain is stored properly.
“There is plenty of assistance on the ground. Farmers must not lose their crops. We must secure the crop to ensure food security in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She also highlighted that proper post-harvest management will be key to achieving the nation’s broader food security objectives, including the 3,2 million tonne cereal production target set for the 2025/26 season.
