Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South Province is poised for an improved winter wheat season this year, having increased its planted area to 3 648 hectares from 2 554 hectares last year.
The province is targeting a yield of more than 21 000 metric tonnes, nearly double the 11 000 tonnes harvested in 2023. The anticipated increase is largely attributed to the expansion of irrigated land and the rehabilitation of key irrigation schemes.
Major contributors to the provincial target include Arda Antelope with 588 hectares and Arda Ngwizi with 578 hectares. Several irrigation schemes such as Midlo and Masholomoshe, which were recently rehabilitated under the Green Climate Fund Programme have also played a significant role in boosting production.
Harvesting is expected to begin in mid-September.
The Matabeleland South Provincial Deputy Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Mr. Bhekilizwe Ncube, said there has been a notable increase in wheat production across the province, with many individual farmers also taking part in the programme.
“The first crop is at the boosting stage, while the majority is at the tillering stage. Top dressing is underway for the bulk of the crop. The crop is performing fairly well, especially considering that we are in an arid region,” he said.
“We have Arda Ngwizi with 578 hectares and Arda Antelope with 588 hectares, which are among the major contributors to wheat production in the province. This year, irrigation schemes such as Midlo and Masholomoshe have contributed significantly following their rehabilitation.”
Mr. Ncube added that extension officers are actively monitoring the farms and offering technical support to ensure a healthy crop, with various training programmes rolled out to equip farmers with the necessary skills.
“We have put in place close supervision measures to ensure best agricultural practices are followed. Farmers are also being encouraged to deliver their harvests to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB),” he said.
He noted that the uptake of wheat farming over the past three years has been encouraging, owing to the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and increasing farmer awareness of the economic and nutritional value of wheat.
“Farmers now appreciate the importance of wheat production and their role in supporting the nation’s breadbasket. As a department, we continue to support them with extension services,” said Mr. Ncube.
Arda Antelope Estate manager Mr. Aleck Chinyai, reported that of their 588 hectares, 380 hectares are at the milky dough stage, while 208 hectares are at the late vegetative to booting stage.
Masholomoshe Irrigation Scheme chairperson Mr. Polite Moyo, said the recent rehabilitation of their scheme has enabled them to participate in wheat production for the first time in years.
“We are delighted to be part of this season’s wheat production. Receiving inputs and tillage assistance has significantly boosted our productivity,” he said.
This year, the Government mobilised 15 381 tractors to support winter wheat production, a sharp increase from the 1 800 tractors availed in 2023.
Wheat has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, second only to maize, and plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security and agro-industrial growth. The crop is critical to the Government’s vision of achieving annual production of at least 360 000 metric tonnes, to meet local demand.
In 2023, Zimbabwe surpassed its annual wheat requirement for the first time, harvesting a record 563 961 tonnes.
This was largely due to timely Government interventions, including financial support, improved access to inputs and enhanced mechanisation.
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