Kwekwe A2 farmers set for 912‑tonne maize harvest through zero tillage

A GROUP of five A2 farmers in Kwekwe are reaping the benefits of minimum tillage in their maize production after fully embracing conservation agriculture. The group, which is also venturing into paprika production for export to Spain, has adopted a holistic and climate smart approach to farming.

By reducing soil disturbance, retaining crop residues and using specialised planting equipment, the farmers have improved soil structure and fertility, enhanced water retention and reduced soil erosion.
With an estimated 912 tonnes of maize expected from their 76 hectares, the group is demonstrating that conservation agriculture can be a game changer for commercial and small scale farmers alike.

Last week, farmers, seed companies and the Midlands provincial leadership — led by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube — visited the farm in Ward 31, Sherwood West, Kwekwe, for an agricultural field day.

The leader of the group, Cde Austin Musanhu, said there are significant rewards in pooling resources to achieve scale and efficiency in farming.

“We came together as five farmers or plot holders with the same goal of making farming a business through fully utilising the land. Now, we have a joint venture, hoping that soon we stand alone as farmers or plot holders. Here, we use proper farming methods, following expert advice from the Agritex officers. It is now five years without tillage as we practice the zero tillage type of farming,” he said.

Cde Musanhu said they are fully aware of the need to continuously attend to the crop through timely application of fertilisers and herbicides to tackle pests and challenges such as fall armyworm.

“We apply chemicals that kill the grass, we apply fertiliser, and we don’t jump on stages to ensure maximum yields. Every two weeks, we spray and have managed to beat the fall armyworm. We practice zero tillage. We have star grass, which is stubborn, but we are always fighting it, and that is why we get yields of over 10 tonnes per hectare. We are still walking together as partners,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), particularly its Food Security, Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection Pillar, which seeks to enhance food and nutrition security through climate smart agricultural technologies and integrated land and water management.

“Furthermore, this field training exposure dovetails with the New Dispensation’s private sector led and Government initiated Agriculture Recovery and Economic Growth strategy, entrenched through formal joint venture frameworks that accelerate rural industrialisation, production, and productivity as Zimbabwe glides towards attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle income society by 2030,” he said.

The minister also praised farmers under the joint venture for their efforts in rehabilitating centre pivots and restoring the irrigation canal, which draws water from the Sebakwe River and underpins the success of this transformational partnership — one that bolsters the Midlands provincial Gross Domestic Product.

“The joint venture also leads to employment creation and export earnings through paprika exports to Spain and agricultural supplies to local agro-dealers and the manufacturing sector, including Seed Co and Delta Corporation,” he said.

Midlands provincial director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Olga Mavankeni, said the zero tillage approach significantly reduces production costs by cutting fuel usage and limiting the dependence on tractors.

“Here, we have a group, comprising five A2 farmers specialising in maize and paprika production, with expectations of harvesting at least 12 tonnes per hectare. Their maize crop spans 76 hectares, with an estimated production of 912 tonnes.

“Their approach involves reducing soil disturbance, retaining crop residues, and using specialised planting equipment to sow seeds through the residues, minimising soil disturbance. This has led to improved soil structure and fertility, increased water retention, reduced soil erosion and lower fuel costs,” she said.