Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
TULI-MAKWE Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda District, has recorded a highly successful winter wheat season, planting 72 hectares of wheat with an expected yield of five tonnes per hectare, a development that is set to significantly contribute to Matabeleland South’s target of 21 000 tonnes.
The 202-hectare scheme, which had remained dormant for several years before its revival, is fast becoming a beacon of agricultural transformation in the province. Out of its total capacity, 20 hectares are under centre pivot and 52 hectares under the flood irrigation system, all of which are nearly ready for harvesting.
In addition to wheat, the scheme has maize and horticultural crops, which further diversify production and ensure food security.
This year, Matabeleland South surpassed its winter wheat target of 3 500 hectares after farmers grew on 3 648 hectares — up from 2 554 hectares last year. The province is now set to contribute more than 21 000 tonnes to the national basket, compared to last year’s 11 000 tonnes.
Speaking during a field day at Makwe on Wednesday, the irrigation scheme chairperson, Mr Louise Ncube, said members were optimistic of a strong harvest, with deliveries to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) expected to begin early next month.
“Our crop performed well this year compared to last year. We planted early, received inputs on time, and also expanded our hectarage. We expect to harvest an average of five tonnes per hectare and we will start harvesting in a week’s time,” he said.
Mr Ncube added that the revival of the irrigation scheme has transformed livelihoods in the community, enabling families to sustain themselves through proceeds from farming.
Matabeleland South Agritex deputy director, Mr Bhekilizwe Ncube, said the province’s performance was impressive given that it falls largely under natural Regions 4 and 5 — typically dry areas with limited rainfall.
He said the results prove the potential of irrigation farming and the resilience of smallholder farmers.
“This season, our farmers grew 3 648 hectares, surpassing our target and building on last year’s 2 500 hectares. Harvesting has already started at Arda Antelope, where we are recording an average yield of 7,2 tonnes per hectare compared to last year’s six tonnes. Other schemes will begin harvesting next month,” he said.
Mr Ncube said half of the crop was planted between 1 and 30 April and it is now being harvested.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, who officiated at the field day, said Makwe’s success is proof that communities can secure food and sustain themselves through agriculture.
“The theme of today’s field day, ‘Celebrating Makwe Leading by Farming — Securing Food Everywhere,’ captures the essence of our national vision. Wheat is a strategic crop for Zimbabwe’s food basket, not only ensuring food and nutrition security but also creating employment for women and youths while strengthening agro-industrial growth,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Government is committed to supporting wheat production through the timely provision of inputs, electricity, water supplies and extension services.
He further urged youths to take advantage of the opportunities in agriculture and called for greater emphasis on value addition so that communities benefit more from their produce.
“This event marks yet another milestone in the agriculture sector, considering that it is a key factor in food and nutrition security. This aligns well with the 2030 agenda of the Second Republic’s quest to revitalise the agriculture sub-sector in line with the benchmarks outlined in the National Development Strategy-1 (NDS-1) and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Matabeleland South is strategically located to economic enablers and this puts the Rainbow Province at an upper hand in the growing of wheat for the food and nutrition security of the country.”
Minister Nguluvhe said the Government will continue to provide an enabling environment for farmers to thrive in wheat production through policies and frameworks.
Wheat production has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, second only to maize in importance. The country is targeting an annual production of 360 000 metric tonnes to ensure self-sufficiency, and Matabeleland South’s rising contribution is expected to play a key role in achieving this target.
—@DubeMatutu
