Mat’land farmers race to complete winter wheat planting

FARMERS in Matabeleland are making a final push to complete winter wheat planting as the crucial planting window closes, with agricultural authorities expressing confidence that both Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North will achieve their seasonal targets.

The planting deadline, which officially ended yesterday, is regarded as critical for maximising yields, as crops planted within the recommended period are more likely to escape early rains and adverse weather conditions that can affect productivity. Agronomists warn that delayed planting often results in reduced yields and lower grain quality.

Matabeleland South Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) provincial director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said farmers across the province had responded positively to the winter wheat programme and were working around the clock to conclude planting.

“Farmers are working tirelessly to wrap up planting. As a province our target is 4 500 hectares and as of Friday, we were at 65 percent, with the figure growing daily,” she said.

“Farmers in Matobo and Mangwe planted an early crop during the first week of April, while other districts can continue planting up to the first week of June. However, as a province we had wanted everyone to conclude planting by May 31.”

Mrs Sibanda acknowledged that some farmers were still planting beyond the recommended deadline but said they would allow planting into the first week of June to maximise hectarage.

“We can allow planting into the first week of June so that we also reach our 100 percent target. Farmers who plant late should increase their seeding rates slightly to compensate for any potential reduction in yield at harvest,” she said.

“Otherwise, we are happy with the response from farmers this season. We greatly appreciate the support we are receiving in terms of seed and fertiliser inputs. We really appreciate the support that we are getting from our principals.”

In Matabeleland North, ARDAS provincial director, Mr Sibangilizwe Dlodlo said more than 764 hectares had already been planted by May 23, with over 550 hectares having successfully germinated.

“We commend farmers for the progress made towards achieving provincial targets. Mary Ellen Farm in Bubi District is leading the way after surpassing its target of 270 hectares and planting 277,5 hectares,” he said.

Mr Dlodlo said Bubi and Lupane districts were emerging as top performers and expressed optimism that the province would attain its 3 000-hectare target.

“Farmers are confident that the province will meet its target, with planting expected to wrap up by the end of May,” he said.

Water availability, often a major concern during winter cropping, has not posed a challenge this season.

Mr Dlodlo said major dams, including Umguza, Tshongogwe, Hauke and Lungwalala, held sufficient water reserves to support irrigation throughout the growing season.

“This assurance by Zinwa has boosted farmer confidence and accelerated planting activities,” he said.

Input support from Government and private contractors has also played a significant role in driving progress.

Mr Dlodlo said seed and fertiliser distribution under the Presidential Input Programme and through institutions such as the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) and AFC Holdings had helped farmers access critical inputs on time.

“Surplus seed in districts such as Bubi and Nkayi is being redistributed to cover shortages in Umguza, ensuring that no farmer is left behind,” he said.

The province has also unlocked more than 350 hectares under irrigation schemes despite challenges such as pump breakdowns and power outages.

Schemes including the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Business Unit, Hauke, Nkosikazi and ARDA Jotsholo have continued to mobilise additional hectarage.

“Despite hurdles such as delayed input deliveries and equipment breakdowns, the province is demonstrating resilience and collaboration. With strong farmer commitment, adequate water and contractor support, Matabeleland North is well positioned for a successful winter wheat season,” said Mr Dlodlo.

A Lupane farmer who spoke during a monitoring exercise said support from Government and contractors had given farmers confidence to expand production.

“We are determined to complete planting by the end of May. The support from contractors and Government agencies has been vital,” said the farmer.

Nationally, winter wheat planting is gathering momentum as Zimbabwe seeks to maintain wheat self-sufficiency achieved in recent seasons. Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Management show that as of Friday, 83 314 hectares had been planted against a national target of 125 000 hectares, while 56 302 hectares had already germinated.

Under the 2026 winter cropping programme, Government has projected a harvest of 662 500 tonnes. The winter cropping programme is anchored on the Agriculture and Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), launched by President Mnangagwa during the commissioning of an Artificial Intelligence-powered Grain Marketing Board silo complex in Mutare last October, as part of efforts to modernise agriculture, boost productivity and strengthen national food security.

The winter programme follows a successful 2025/26 summer cropping season, with cereal production projected at 2,74 million tonnes, including an estimated maize harvest of 2,35 million tonnes. Government expects more than 180 000 tonnes of grain from ARDA estates and communal farmers to be delivered to the Strategic Grain Reserve, further strengthening national food stocks.