The Dekad system brings order to wheat harvesting

The Dekad system brings order to wheat harvesting

Theseus Shambare

The Government says the introduction of the Dekad system has brought order, efficiency and predictability to the 2025 wheat harvesting season, with farmers now working within a structured calendar that minimises losses and ensures timely delivery to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

Under the system, agricultural activities are monitored and reported in 10-day intervals, allowing authorities and farmers to coordinate harvesting, transport and storage systematically.

The approach has been credited with reducing bottlenecks that in previous seasons led to congestion at depots and delayed payments.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) acting chief director, Mr Leonard Munamati, said the model was ensuring that farmers harvested at the right time while millers and the GMB received wheat in a steady and manageable flow.

“The Dekad system has brought order to wheat harvesting. We are now able to monitor progress in real time, allocate resources according to actual needs, and guide farmers to avoid unnecessary delays. This has significantly reduced post-harvest losses,” said Mr Munamati.

He added that the system allows the Government to synchronise mechanisation support, fuel allocation and storage facilities with actual harvesting timelines, cutting out inefficiencies that previously hampered the strategic grain supply chain.

Zimbabwe planted over 120 000 hectares of wheat this season, the largest hectarage in the country’s history and authorities expect record deliveries.

The Gekad system is also being used to assess potential threats such as veld fires, pests and erratic weather, ensuring farmers receive timely advisories.