Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE joint venture (JV) between the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and Nyahombe Irrigation Scheme business unit (ISBU) has boosted wheat yields by 267 percent from 1,5 tonnes to 5,5 tonnes per hectare.
Nyahombe ISBU is located in Chivi, Masvingo province.
ARDA Masvingo provincial agronomist Mr Jonas Chinyavada attributed the high yields to the adoption of good agronomic practices in farm operations, modernised operations and the sheer determination to succeed.
“Over the past two seasons (2023 and 2024), average yield ranged between 1,2 and 1,5 tonnes per hectare. With the introduction of the ARDA JV agreement, we raised our average yield to 5,5 tonnes per hectare,” he said.
Nyahombe ISBU planted 60 hectares under wheat.
All the produce will be delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to build the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve.
GMB is buying standard wheat at US$450 per tonne, while premium wheat is being purchased at US$470 for the same quantity.
The parastatal is purchasing all wheat financed under the Presidential Input Programme, as well as from self-financed growers.
“Uninterrupted electricity supply and enough water have helped in irrigation scheduling,” Mr Chinyavada said.
“We also plan to plant 60 hectares under maize this season.”
Over 100 households are directly benefitting from increased agriculture production from the scheme, while the ripple effects of enhanced productivity will indirectly benefit more families by guaranteeing food and nutrition security.
