Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ABOUT 141 000 hectares (ha) can potentially be put under winter wheat following the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, including 7 500ha for smallholder farmers.
However, the Government’s main focus is to boost productivity through increasing yields per unit area.
The country is targeting 120 000ha for wheat production this year, with an additional 6 500ha planned for barley and 8 750ha for potatoes.
Rehabilitation efforts are underway to enhance the efficiency of irrigation schemes catering for smallholder farmers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said farmers must expedite planting.
“This aligns with optimal growth periods during the cooler winter months. Our thrust is maximising yields per unit area than just expanding area planted,” said Prof Jiri.
The availability of 141 000ha, he said, demonstrates the country’s preparedness for the winter cropping season.
“Our strategic focus on rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and ensuring adequate water supply is crucial for maximising productivity, especially for our smallholder farmers,” he said.
He further said a key pillar of the Government’s strategy is ensuring availability of essential inputs.
According to the latest Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) report, a combined 169 779,89 tonnes of basal and top-dressing fertilisers are currently available.
Furthermore, 10 000 litres of fenthion have been procured to combat migratory pests such as quelea birds, with ongoing surveillance of key roosting sites in areas like the Save Conservancy and Muzarabani command centres.
“The Government has made significant strides in ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary inputs,” Prof Jiri added.
“The adequate supply of fertilisers and the proactive measures against pests underscore our commitment to supporting our farmers and safeguarding their crops.”
About 15 381 tractors are available, with efforts underway to optimise the use of existing machinery through collaborative mapping of farmers and contractors. A total of 343 combine harvesters, crucial for timely harvesting, are expected to be ready soon.
“We are actively working to bridge the mechanisation gap to ensure efficient land preparation and planting,” he said.
“Collaborations between ARDAS, contractors and farmers are vital in maximising the impact of the available machinery.”
To ensure a reliable power supply for irrigation, engagements are underway to ring-fence 150 megawatts specifically for winter cropping.
Additionally, insurance coverage for all wheat farmers through the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe is mandated to mitigate potential losses.
Local security clusters are also being encouraged to combat theft and vandalism on farms.
Disbursements of outstanding
payments from the 2024 winter cropping season, which amount to ZiG64,9 million and US$5,1 million, are underway.
To ensure farmers access bank loans and other services, the Government is encouraging farmers to acquire title deeds.
Joint ventures in agriculture, Prof Jiri said, are also being promoted to attract investment and enhance productivity. Capacity building is another critical component of the Government’s strategy, with over 22 000 individual farmers and 460 irrigation schemes having received training.
Regular weekly tips are being disseminated to farmers and extension staff to reinforce best practices in wheat management.
“Our comprehensive approach includes empowering farmers with knowledge through extensive training programmes and ensuring a stable operating environment through reliable power supply and security measures,” Prof Jiri added.
Farmers had expressed concerns over the delays in receiving payments, particularly now as preparations for winter wheat farming are ongoing.
Online Reporter