Midlands exceeds wheat target, poised for bumper harvest

THE Government expects Midlands Province to deliver a bumper winter wheat harvest after surpassing its planting target, with the crop reportedly in excellent condition. This follows a recent tour of winter wheat farms in the province by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.

Midlands has been commended for exceeding its winter wheat target, planting 12 025 hectares — a milestone described as both “inspirational and instructive” for the nation.

Leading producers in the province include Douglas Kwande of DCK Investments (DCK Farm) and the First Family’s Pricabe Farm. Key irrigated wheat-growing areas include Sherwood Block in Kwekwe, as well as parts of Mberengwa, Lower Gweru and Shurugwi.

Midlands Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni, confirmed that the wheat crop is performing well across the province.

“The Midlands Province wheat crop is in good condition, which is very pleasing to say the least. We have confidence in the winter wheat crop in Midlands Province, anticipating a bumper harvest,” she said.

Ms Mavankeni urged farmers to manage moisture levels and irrigation schedules carefully, especially as temperatures begin to rise.

“We commend the Government for the timely distribution of inputs and the fact that farmers have not yet experienced any issues related to power cuts. No reports of power outages have been received so far.

“Water is also readily available, and no farmers are experiencing shortages. So, the environment for the crop to thrive — resulting in a bumper harvest for Midlands Province — is currently being experienced,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of pest control, advising farmers to monitor for quelea birds, identify roosting sites, and report them to Agritex extension officers or the Migratory Pests Department.

“The province so far has had no quelea sightings reported, which is a relief to farmers. However, monitoring is being carried out across all wheat-producing districts,” she said.

Midlands planted 12 025 hectares of wheat, exceeding its 12 000-hectare target. This achievement is a clear demonstration of the province’s commitment to strengthening national food security.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has assured farmers that dam water levels are higher than last season, guaranteeing sufficient irrigation water for the winter crop.

With strong Government support and favourable conditions, Midlands Province is poised for a robust winter wheat season that could significantly boost food security and rural incomes across the region.

Meanwhile, Gweru farmer Mr Clever Matutu of Hwanu Farm has become a centre of attention after dedicating 60 hectares of his land to wheat production, contributing significantly to the national wheat strategic reserve target of 600 000 metric tonnes this season.
Mr Matutu is anticipating a yield of eight tonnes per hectare, up from last season’s seven.