Online Reporter
Judith Phiri ,Zimpapers Business Hub
Wheat farmers have been urged to expedite planting during the planting window with over 60,000 hectares planted to date towards the 120,000 hectares goal. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has applauded progress, while stressing urgency.
“Timely planting means better yields as well as frost and rain protection. Time is of essence if the country is to ensure food security and build on previous gains,” he said. “We are urging farmers to expedite wheat planting and we understand that cold temperatures have delayed maize harvesting for many, but we have worked with our partners to ensure that inputs, especially seed and fertiliser, are readily available.” He said farmers can plant immediately after harvesting and it was important to take full advantage of the window period.
As the Government, the Permanent Secretary said they were committed to supporting farmers through input provision, irrigation support, and technical guidance to ensure maximum productivity. Prof Jiri added: “We are looking into the issue of water for irrigation so that we meet our target. We also want to assure our farmers that the issue of electricity is addressed. This is all possible through effective planning, enhanced Government support, and favourable weather conditions.”
This week marks the final window period for winter wheat planting, as the optimum planting window for winter wheat in Zimbabwe is typically from the last week of April to the end of May, with the first two weeks of May generally yielding the best results. Zimbabwe is targeting a substantial winter harvest in 2025, with projections indicating the country could produce 600,000 tonnes of wheat, 39,000 tonnes of barley, and 236,000 tonnes of potatoes, according to the 2025 Winter Crops Plan. The plan outlines that wheat will be cultivated on 120,000 hectares, barley on 6,500 hectares, and potatoes on 8,700 hectares.
During a recent Cabinet briefing, the Government confirmed that national grain reserves are currently adequate, while they were committed to supporting the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) with the necessary financial resources to ensure farmers are paid promptly upon delivering their grain.
