Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Government is exploring every possible avenue to ensure continued self-sufficiency in national wheat provision, with seed varieties capable of adapting to adverse weather conditions poised to enter the market soon.
Farmers have also been assured of adequate water supplies as most dams nationwide were reported full during the just-ended rainy season, while electricity has been ring-fenced for the sub-sector to ensure uninterrupted supplies.
Similarly, potato farmers have been urged to scale up production, taking advantage of a surge in consumption.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Matabeleland North director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said the preparations for winter wheat farming were progressing well across the country.
He made the remarks during the Winter Crop Revolution Conference hosted by Zimpapers in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development in Bulawayo last week.
Mr Ndlovu said both Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces were poised to scale up wheat production this season.
“Matabeleland North has the potential to cultivate up to 5 000 hectares (ha), while Matabeleland South is targeting around 2 500 hectares. Nationally, we are looking at commanding 120 000 hectares,” he said.
He confirmed that fertiliser distribution will begin soon, with supplies already being received by the Government.
“We have started engaging key players in wheat production.
“Fertiliser is being delivered and distribution will commence shortly. Preparations are well underway and everything is in place to ensure we meet our national targets,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Seed suppliers at the conference assured farmers that adequate stocks of improved wheat seed varieties would be available for the season.
Quality seeds are crucial in achieving high yields and ensuring that wheat production meets national demand. In view of this, seed houses said they were investing substantial resources in research.
Four new wheat seed varieties were highlighted at the conference, and these have been developed with climate resilience in mind, ensuring that they can thrive under changing weather conditions.
Farmers were encouraged to stick to these approved, high-quality seed varieties to ensure maximum productivity.
“Using the right seeds is key to achieving better yields. The new varieties are designed not only to increase output, but also to withstand the stresses of climate change,” said Mr Gilbert Goto from Valley Seeds.
The conference was held in the wake of a historic agricultural achievement, a record-breaking national wheat harvest of 563 961 tonnes (t) in the previous season, surpassing the 2022 output of 467 000t.
This marks the highest yield since the introduction of commercial wheat farming in 1966 and secures Zimbabwe’s wheat self-sufficiency for the third consecutive year.
Building on this momentum, the Winter Crop Revolution Conference sought to replicate this success across other critical winter crops in the upcoming 2025 planting season.
Key sessions at the indaba focused on sustainable wheat production, the expansion of potato farming, diversification of winter crop varieties, improved post-harvest handling and local processing opportunities.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the potential of potatoes as a flagship winter crop.
Other focal areas included policy and regulatory frameworks, crop insurance and risk management strategies.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) noted that there was enough water available to meet the country’s winter wheat production goals.
Zinwa spokesperson Mrs Marjorie Munyonga stressed the importance of registering with the authority to secure water allocations for the upcoming season.
“We are currently in the process of registering farmers for water allocation. We encourage all farmers to register, and many have already done so, signing agreements for their water usage,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga explained that Zinwa uses an allocation system where farmers apply for the amount of water they require.
“For example, if a farmer applies for 20 megalitres, we reserve that amount in the dam they requested,” she said.
She noted that Zinwa was actively conducting awareness campaigns to ensure farmers were fully informed about the registration process.
When asked about the availability of water for the winter season, Mrs Munyonga reassured the conference attendees.
“We have enough water in our dams to meet the wheat production target set by the Government. Our national dam level average is at 89 percent, which is far more than we expected during this time, which is usually around 71,4 percent,” she said.
The conference heard that potato production is a highly lucrative venture for farmers, but also carries significant risks of loss if not properly managed.
The Government has recognised potatoes as a strategic crop crucial for enhancing food security at both household and national levels.
To support this farming activity, the Government introduced several measures, including a ban on the import of table potatoes since 2010.
This policy was aimed at shielding local farmers from unfair competition posed by cheaper potato imports from neighbouring countries.
During the conference, renowned investor and farmer Mr Brent le Reux, who operates in Jotsholo, Matabeleland North, discussed the challenges and rewards of potato farming.
Speaking on potatoes as a major winter crop, he emphasised that while the venture could be profitable, it required careful management.
He warned of the significant risks involved, especially if farming practices were not followed closely.
“It is a very lucrative crop, but it is an expensive crop if you borrow money and it is not a success. If you miss a spray, plant at the wrong time or let a disease take hold before you catch it, the potato crop will be a disaster,” Mr Le Reux said.
“So, it has to be approached in small parts, and many of the challenges revolve around that.”
One of the main issues identified by Mr Le Reux was the quality of seed potatoes.
He pointed out that despite the growing demand for potatoes, the country faced a major hurdle in sourcing quality seed.
“Many of the challenges revolve around seed, and unfortunately our country does not have a good seed base. For all farmers, large and small, getting good quality seed is a problem. Unfortunately, the seed that we get into the country from South Africa is prone to disease,” he explained.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development chief director Mr Leonard Munamati said the Government was planning to expand the record winter production attained last year to other vital winter crops, with the aim of sustaining food security and setting Zimbabwe on the path to being a major agricultural base in the region.
“The country has made remarkable strides in winter crop production, securing its place as a formidable agricultural force. Building on this success, the ministry, in collaboration with Zimpapers and other key stakeholders/partners, now seeks to expand this achievement to potatoes, barley and other vital winter crops in the upcoming 2025 planting season,” he said.
He said the consumption basket now largely includes potatoes, essential to Zimbabwe’s food security, offering nutritious and affordable food nationwide.
Potato production is set to cover 8 750ha, with an ambitious yield target of 27t/ha culminating in 236 250t.
The conference addressed the significant issue of post-harvest losses, with participants noting that many farmers struggle due to a lack of proper harvesting equipment and limited knowledge on the optimal time to harvest.
A representative from the Agricultural Finance Corporation said there were 56 combine harvesters available for leasing at the 22 cluster centres across the country.
