Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
MASVINGO Province is making strides in the 2025 wheat harvest, with 25,1 percent of the crop having been already harvested.
Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services (ARDAS) provincial director Mr Caleb Mahoya said farmers had shown remarkable resilience, hiring equipment from other areas, highlighting their commitment to a successful wheat harvest.
“At Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, farmers produced a beautiful crop averaging six tonnes per hectare.
“The province expects to produce more than 20 000 tonnes of wheat, more than double last year’s yield,” he said.
The wheat season is wrapping up, and efforts are now concentrated on getting ready for summer cropping under Pfumvudza/Intwasa.
“Our target this year is one million plots, and we are almost there,” he said.
Mr Mahoya commended farmers for pooling resources through cooperatives and farmer groups to secure inputs for the upcoming summer season as a sign of growing unity and commitment to food security.
On the livestock, he said farmers had already surpassed the hay baling target, producing more than 722 000 bales in the private sector alone, ensuring adequate feed for the dry season.
“Water sources remain sufficient and veterinary and extension teams continue to support farmers to keep livestock healthy,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Mashonaland East, farmers are exhibiting unprecedented enthusiasm, wholeheartedly adopting cutting-edge techniques, optimising seed selection and integrating climate-smart strategies to maximise yields.
Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services acting provincial director, Mr Masiiwa, expressed confidence in the agricultural programmes, citing impressive progress and a bright outlook for the upcoming summer season across the province.
“Farmers are facing challenges, including erratic weather, seed shortages and transport constraints, but these obstacles are not insurmountable,” he said.
