Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
AS Zimbabwe anticipates a record wheat harvest this season, Government has strengthened its agricultural capabilities by acquiring over 300 combine harvesters this season.
This strategic investment aims to streamline the harvesting process and maximize efficiency, paving the way for an impressive yield of 600 000 tonnes of winter wheat.
An additional 80 combine harvesters from Belarus are also expected and this initiative marks a significant step forward in modernising the nation’s agricultural practices and ensuring food security for the future.
This ambitious initiative not only highlights the Government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, but also reflects a broader vision to transform the nation’s agricultural landscape.
The introduction of these combine harvesters is a transformative step towards modernising Zimbabwe’s agricultural practices.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the acquired equipment has already been dispatched to 21 mechanisation clusters across key wheat-producing regions.
“Farmers in these clusters should know where the harvesters are and when they will become available.Farmers have been urged to start harvesting promptly to mitigate the risks associated with early rains and veld fires, which could jeopardise the crop’s yield. We are really prepared to ensure the harvesting goes on smoothly and that no wheat is lost,” Prof Jiri added, indicating that the current crop outlook is strong, indicating a promising yield.
The collaboration with Belarus marks a significant partnership in agricultural mechanisation, providing vital machinery that will help local farmers increase efficiency and productivity.
This influx of machinery is expected to facilitate a smooth transition between the summer and winter cropping seasons, ultimately enhancing the country’s food security.
Harvesting for the early-planted wheat is anticipated to begin in early to mid-September, with the bulk of the crop expected to be harvested in October.
In addition to the mechanisation efforts, Government has ambitious plans to expand silo storage capacity from 750 000 to 1.5 million tonnes by 2030. This expansion will include the construction of an additional 750 000 tonnes of silo space, underscoring the commitment to improving food storage and reducing waste.
The irrigation strategy is also noteworthy, with large dams set to irrigate 82 800 hectares, which accounts for 69percent of the total crop area.
On-farm dams will provide irrigation for another 15 600 hectares , while rivers, boreholes, and vleis will contribute to the irrigation of 9 800 hectares, 10 800 hectares, and 1000 hectares, respectively. This comprehensive irrigation plan is crucial for ensuring optimal crop growth and addressing the challenges posed by climate variability.
Regionally, Mashonaland West leads the charge with 35 107 hectares planted, followed by Mashonaland Central with 27 910 hectares and Mashonaland East with 22 866 hectares. Other provinces, including Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, are also making significant contributions to the overall planted area.
This concerted effort to enhance agricultural mechanisation and improve storage capabilities aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. Agricultural productivity is identified as a critical pillar of this developmental blueprint. Mechanisation plays a vital role in strengthening food supply chains and combating food inflation, which remains a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
As the season progresses, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are optimistic about the forthcoming harvest. The combination of advanced machinery, strategic planning, and regional cooperation signals a promising future for Zimbabwe’s wheat production. With these initiatives, the nation is not only addressing immediate agricultural needs but also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years to come.
