Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
THE Midlands Province is optimistic about exceeding its winter wheat target of 12 000 hectares this season, with over 3 000 hectares already planted as the region nears the end of its planting window.
Following a successful summer cropping season, there is renewed enthusiasm among farmers to boost productivity.
The Government has expressed confidence in meeting its national target and is urging farmers to make full use of the remaining planting period to complete their efforts.
The winter wheat planting season officially began on May 1, with Zimbabwe aiming to produce 600 000 tonnes of the cereal crop this year. The planting window traditionally runs from mid-April to late May, with the first two weeks of May considered optimal for highveld areas. While planting can extend into mid-June, this is generally discouraged due to reduced yield potential. In Lowveld regions, planting may begin earlier.
Director of Midlands Provincial Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Olga Mavankeni, highlighted the province’s progress in a recent interview. She noted that the region has made significant strides in planting both wheat and barley, aiming to match last year’s achievement of 12 081 hectares. This effort is being supported by Government initiatives such as the Presidential Inputs Programme (PIP) and growing interest from both commercial and smallholder farmers.
“The wheat crop in the province is at various growth stages, with the earlier-planted crops already top-dressed,” said Ms Mavankeni.
As of last week, over 3 400 hectares had been planted — just over 25 percent of the provincial target.
She emphasised the importance of timely maize harvesting to free up land for wheat planting.
“Farmers are encouraged to expedite maize harvesting under conservation agriculture. The harvested maize can be dried at our AI-powered Smart Silos at the Kwekwe GMB depot,” she said.
Ms Mavankeni said that farmers have already begun using the modern silos for grain drying and storage.
She advised those intending to use the facilities to coordinate with the depot manager in advance to ensure smooth delivery.
Early maize harvesting is key to timely wheat planting within the optimal window, which is crucial for achieving high yields.
She further noted that early planting allows for better crop management and planning for the next summer season.
Currently, most planting activity is concentrated in Kwekwe District, which accounts for nearly 85 percent of the province’s winter wheat output.
Notable producers in the district include the First Family’s Pricabe Farm, which cultivated over 500 hectares last year, Douglas Kwande of DCK Investments (DCK Farm), and Daniel Burger of Sherwood Park Estate.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has reassured farmers that dam water levels are higher than last season, ensuring sufficient irrigation water for winter crops.
