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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Ethiopia are the only two African countries to achieve wheat self-sufficiency with Government having increased the 2023 winter wheat production target to 85 000 hectares from 80 388 planted in 2022 to further solidify gains from the previous year.
This was revealed yesterday by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare.
The minister said 375 131 metric tonnes have been produced, against a national requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes.
“Cabinet is pleased to inform the nation that during the 2022 winter cereal production season, Zimbabwe together with Ethiopia were the only countries in Africa that attained self-sufficiency in wheat, with 375 131 metric tonnes being produced, against a national requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said this year Zimbabwe is expected to produce 408 metric tonnes as the hectarage has been increased to 85 000 from 80 388.
“The nation is being informed that the target for the 2023 winter wheat production is 85 000 hectares, compared to the 80 388 hectares planted in 2022. Out of the 85 000ha for 2023, 65 percent will be supported through Government-guaranteed schemes, and 35 percent by the private sector,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“The projected production from the area that will be planted under wheat is 408 000 metric tonnes, based on the actual yield volume of 4,8 percent hectares which was achieved in 2022.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government-guaranteed schemes for wheat production are the CBZ Agro-Yield Programme; the AFC Land Bank; and the Presidential Input Scheme, while the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) will constitute the private sector funding which will be complemented by some self-financing farmers.
She said the FCCA will support the production of 7 700 hectares of barley and expects to realise 50 050 metric tonnes at a yield of 6,5 metric tonnes per hectare.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government has put in place duty top dressing fertilisers and the country has enough seed and basal fertiliser for the 2023 Winter Cereal Production season.
“For the top dressing component that is in short supply, Government has put in place enabling legislation to facilitate the importation of duty-free top dressing fertilisers by local companies thereby ensuring adequate supplies,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said regarding electricity and water supply, power supplies have been ring-fenced for the benefit of wheat production.
“The national dam levels are at 93,5 percent, thereby guaranteeing water availability. An Agriculture-Energy Task Force will ensure the availability of these critical enablers ahead of the winter cropping season,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government has put in place a number of measures to ensure that farmers quickly transition from summer to winter.
“Those farmers requiring harvesting and tillage equipment can approach the AFC Land Bank, while those in need of driers should visit the GMB depots. GMB has 20 mobile grain driers with a capacity of 840 metric tonnes per day that can be accessed by farmers,” she said.
“The private sector also has drying facilities for up to 100 metric tonnes per day. The wheat planting period covers the months of April and May. Accordingly, wheat farmers are encouraged to plant early and use high-yield varieties in order to maximise on productivity.”
Online Reporter