Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
A SMOOTH and well-coordinated transition has been planned by the Government from the 2025-2026 summer cropping season into the 2026 winter wheat programme, anchored on timely harvesting, adequate mechanisation capacity and strengthened post-harvest support systems.
Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Services director, Engineer Nhlanhla Magama, said the country was fully prepared to harvest summer crops on time while simultaneously preparing land for winter wheat, ensuring no disruption to the national production calendar.
“Following the successful summer season, we have enough combine harvester capacity not only to harvest crops on time, but also to ensure rapid land turnaround for winter wheat,” said Eng Magama.
“Timely harvesting is critical in allowing farmers to smoothly transition into the winter wheat season without delays.”
Government has mobilised sufficient harvesting machinery and land preparation equipment across the provinces, positioning the sector to capitalise on the narrow window between summer harvesting and winter planting.
Farmers have been urged to engage provincial agricultural offices early, where they can be assisted to identify approved service providers for harvesting, land preparation and related mechanisation services.
Eng Magama said to support this transition, farmers are encouraged to visit their provincial offices so they can be linked with service providers in their areas.
In a key intervention aimed at minimising post-harvest losses and safeguarding grain quality, Government has also lined up service providers offering drying services for farmers who may harvest crops before optimal moisture levels for storage are attained.
“This is an important support measure,” he said. “Drying services ensure that farmers who harvest early can still maintain grain quality and safely store their produce as they prepare for winter wheat planting.”
Eng Magama emphasised that close collaboration between farmers, provincial offices and extension officers will be central to the success of the transition and the winter wheat season itself.
“We are encouraging farmers to work closely with extension officers so that they receive timely guidance and technical support,” he said.
“Preparedness is the foundation of a successful winter wheat season.”
