Online Reporter
Precious Manomano, Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE is on the brink of another record-breaking wheat harvest.
For the fourth consecutive year, the country is set to reinforce its status as wheat self-sufficient, driven by favourable growing conditions and strategic agricultural practices.
According to statistics from the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services’ (Ardas) weekly report, a total of 120 007 hectares have been planted — against the target of 120 000 hectares, with projections indicating a potential yield of over 600 000 tonnes — well above last year’s record of 563 961 tonnes.
A breakdown of the Ardas numbers show that Mashonaland West is leading in wheat production, dedicating 35 000 hectares to the crop, underscoring the province’s vital role in the national agricultural landscape.
Mashonaland Central follows closely with 27 874 hectares planted, achieving 103 percent of its target, while Mashonaland East has reached 102 percent of its target, with 22 866 hectares.
Midlands comes in fifth with an 11 256 hectares planted, accounting for 94 percent of its target.
According to the report ARDA Joint Ventures are the single biggest producer of the crop in the country, accounting for 42 706 hectares, which is however down from 46 168 hectares compared to last year.
An on the ground survey shows that wheat across the nation is currently thriving, primarily in the early vegetative to tillering stages, although it requires additional irrigation and nitrogen to maximise yield.
According to the report, large dams are the biggest water source for the crop, covering 82 800 hectares, or 69 percent of the targeted 120 000 hectares.
Ardas is urging farmers to adopt best agronomic practices to enhance productivity, including adequate top dressing and pest control measures, particularly against aphids and the fall armyworm.
It also said correct irrigation scheduling is critical, especially in sandy soils, which require more frequent watering.
Farmers are being called to do early weed management, to prevent competition for resources and ensure optimal growth.
Government is taking proactive steps to bolster wheat production, coordinating with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply for irrigation.
Farmers are encouraged to establish local security clusters to deter theft and vandalism.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo has called for the installation of more drying facilities to facilitate a smooth transition between summer and winter crops.
She stressed the need for cheaper fertiliser and enhanced electricity availability, addressing issues like transformer thefts that have affected approximately 1 300 hectares earmarked for winter wheat.
“As the breadbasket of the country, Mashonaland West Province should be prioritised, so that our farmers can continue to produce,” she said.
Agritex provincial director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi advised farmers who planted late to increase seed and fertiliser application to ensure better yields.
Mashonaland Central Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services director Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa said most of the crop in her province is in good condition, although challenges remain for those who did not apply sufficient fertilisers.
“So far, the condition is good. The challenge is only seen where farmers did not apply enough fertilisers,” she said.
Ardas acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati emphasised the importance of proper irrigation scheduling and weed control.
“Most of the crop is at vegetative stage. Late planted crop is at emergence to hardening stage,” he said.
“Farmers should control weeds early as well as do split application of adequate top dressing fertiliser.”
He reiterated that Government’s targets should not only be met but exceeded, highlighting the good condition of wheat across all provinces.
Mr Munamati said farmers should control weeds early as well as do split application of adequate top dressing fertilizer.
“It is recommended that farmers practice proper irrigation scheduling as guided by their irrigation technicians, agronomists and officers,” he said.
Government remains committed to increasing wheat production through the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said good agronomic practices are the only ways to unlock the massive potential so that the country achieves a good yield.
“Good agronomic practices are the only ways to increase productivity. It is important to employ good agronomic practices to any cropping venture to unlock the value,” he said.
With a concerted effort towards sound agricultural practices and robust support systems, Zimbabwe is set to achieve a minimum target of 600 000 tonnes this season.
This progress not only paves the way for sustained food self-sufficiency, but also addresses the rising consumer demand for wheat products.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said a lot of irrigation and scouting is needed to enhance productivity.
“Irrigate wisely and preserve water so that we achieve another bumper wheat harvest,” he said.
