Chronicle Editor
Theseus Shambare, Harare Bureau
MORE than 18 000 tonnes of wheat have been harvested to date, with an average yield of 5,5 tonnes per hectare, as the 2024 winter wheat harvesting season progresses ahead of commencement of the rainy season.
According to the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) weekly report dated September 26, so far, 18 537 tonnes of the cereal have been harvested from 3 358 hectares.
This season saw a record 121 982 hectares — the largest hectarage since commercial wheat production began in the 1960s — being put under the crop, surpassing last year’s total of 91 000 hectares.
The Government has since deployed 300 combine harvesters to wheat-producing areas, primarily within irrigation schemes.
With weather forecasts indicating an early rainy season in the southern provinces, AARDS acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati said farmers are racing against time to avoid crop damage from rain.
“The southern provinces contribute only about 7 percent of the area planted, so harvesting should be complete early enough in October in most parts of these provinces,” he said.
“Currently, harvesting is progressing according to plan.
“Farmers with large hectarage have been linked to combine harvesters and they know when they are harvesting.”
Farmers, he said, are being encouraged to test their crop’s moisture levels before harvesting to facilitate quick deliveries to silos.
“The recommended moisture level for wheat is 12,5 percent,” he added.
“Farmers who harvest at this level can deliver immediately to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) or their contractors.
“For those whose wheat has higher moisture levels, dryers, some of which are located at GMB depots, are available.”
He urged farmers to construct standard fireguards around their fields and to remain vigilant against veld fires.
Additionally, farmers should keep an eye out for quelea birds and report any sightings for prompt action.
The chief director of agricultural engineering, mechanisation, post-harvest agro-processing and soil conservation in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Engineer Edwin Zimunga, said 22 cluster centres have been established nationwide to provide farmers with access to mechanisation services at minimal cost.
“The machines are more than enough to harvest the planted area,” he said.
“We urge farmers to get in touch with our staff in their respective areas to ensure they get harvesting services in time.”
In addition to the combine harvesters, 14 000 tractors have been deployed and are already preparing land for the upcoming 2024/2025 summer cropping season.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter