dyton mupawaenda
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
Harvesting of wheat is almost complete in all provinces with farmers expecting to enjoy the fruits of their hard work as they have so far produced 457 993 tonnes, surpassing a national target of 440 000.
Farmers are describing 2023 as a great season where productivity is high compared to the previous year, attributing the good rainfall pattern as the major contributor in the production success.
They are also expecting the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to expedite payments so that farmers fully embark in the production of the summer crop.
More than 98 percent of the crop has so far been harvested across the country and four wheat growing provinces have so far completed harvesting.
These include Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.
Statistics from Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) indicate that Mashonaland West is leading with 131 048 tonnes followed by Mashonaland East with 86 455 tonnes, Mashonaland Central (85 514 tonnes), Midlands (66 231) and Manicaland harvested 60 797 tonnes.
This year’s wheat was planted on 90 998 hectares, giving the nation a higher yield than last year’s record.
This harvest is well above the 375 000 tonnes achieved last season and the minimum of 360 000 tonnes needed for self-sufficiency.
It is the highest record since wheat growing started in 1966.
Currently the nation holds a national stock of around 140 000 tonnes from 81 000 hactares planted last season.
The move will also allow the country to escape the harsh effects of geo-political disturbances in Eastern Europe that have disrupted supply chains creating shortages of wheat and other commodities globally. Zimbabwe National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president Mrs Monica Chinamasa indicated that farmers this year have worked very hard, adding that GMB should pay what they owe farmers so that they engage in other farming operations.
“This is greatly appreciated but we appeal for our Government to pay wheat farmers on time so that they embark fully on the summer crop production. If farmers are paid on time it will be easier to pay back loans but now we are failing to pay back loans and interests are also going up,’’ she said.
Recently, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe indicated that a bumper wheat harvest was possible this year, urging farmers to clear up harvesting before the rains.
“This is pleasing and farmers continue to work hard. I urge farmers to communicate with their contractors to ensure that they get assistance. Combine harvesters are on the ground so farmers should go to relevant authorities so that they quickly get assistance and clear up the remaining portion,’’ he said
He hailed the marketing price for winter wheat but urged the Government to interrogate the whole production chain to ensure that production costs remain affordable and the business becomes viable.
“This is a positive development because our Government is acting on people’s problems. This is greatly appreciated although we were looking forward to 100 percent retention. What is more interesting is that we also have other alternatives such as Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange or millers where farmers can also trade,’’he said.
Government has set the wheat marketing price for the 2023 agricultural season at US$520.25 per tonne payable as 75:25 (USD:ZWL).
The import parity price for wheat ranges from US$344 to US$462 per tonne.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said this season was the best time to attain wheat self-sufficiency following various measures implemented by the Government to ensure that farmers grow enough wheat.
“We had enough water for irrigation and electricity. We are aiming higher than last season. We hope this time the rains will not compromise our wheat,’’ she said.
Online Reporter