Wheat farmers in post-planting phase

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

THE Government has advised wheat farmers to stop planting the crop, adding that late planting will negatively affect the quality of the crop.

Wheat planting deadline was extended to 15 June but other farmers failed to meet the deadline.

Late planting will affect wheat production in terms of yields and expose the crop to the risk of destruction by the early rains.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera applauded wheat farmers for working hard, adding that the shift should be redirected towards effective good agronomic practices, disease management and irrigation management.

“I want to thank all wheat farmers for supporting the thrust towards wheat and flour self-sufficiency. Farmers are hereby advised that the optimal wheat planting window closed on the 15th of June and any further planting after this date is discouraged and must stop. Farmers are encouraged to scout their fields on a regular basis and to make fire guards to avoid unnecessary losses due to veld fires,” he said.

Farmers are also expected to approach their agricultural extension officers for the necessary wheat growing support and agronomic practices.

Zimbabwe is optimistic that this year’s winter wheat production will surpass last year’s production of 375 000 tonnes following various interventions implemented by the Government and private sector engagements to boost a record harvest this season.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said farmers should take farming as a business, adding that more factors need to be considered to maintain a good harvest for wheat.

“Rain is the major obstacle in wheat production. We expected the majority to be finished by the end of May. Advice is now needed for farmers to maintain a good harvest. Work hand in hand with extension workers because they will show you the way to go,” he said.

Mr Thomas Chigage of Banket near Maheu said it is critical to plant in May, adding that overlapping to June may cause the crop to be affected by rains.

“We need to follow our dates so that we do not compromise the quality of our crop. Last year the late planted crop was affected. There is a need to speed up planting to avoid such disasters,” he said.

This season farmers are expected to produce 405 000 tonnes of wheat from a targeted hectarage of 90 000.

The wheat crop is supported through private contractors, Government’s National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), Presidential wheat support scheme and self-financed growers.

CBZ Agro-Yield was targeting at contracting 20 000ha at a projected average yield of 4,8 tonnes/ha, with the estimated production set at 96 000 tonnes.

The AFC Land Bank was targeting at contracting 15 000ha with a projected yield of 4,8 t/ha and the estimated production is 72 000 tonnes.

The private sector and self -financed scheme contracted 25 000ha of wheat with a projected average yield of 4.8t/ha to give an estimated production of 120 000 tonnes while the Presidential scheme is targeted for 25 000 ha for wheat.