Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe has achieved a milestone in wheat production after harvesting 639 942 tonnes of the cereal crop this year, the highest-ever recorded since wheat growing started in 1966.
This year, farmers exceeded the target of 600 000 tonnes.
The attainment of soft wheat self-sufficiency is premised on the Government’s agricultural transformation, anchored on active private and public sector participation.
Over the years, the country could not meet national requirements and had to import wheat from other countries.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services’ weekly update indicated that all of the provinces have completed harvesting.
It also shows that the cumulative area harvested across the provinces stands at 122 011ha, which is 98 percent of the planted area, with a cumulative production of 639 942 tonnes.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said they managed to improve wheat production and exceed the target this year.
“Yes, we managed to meet the target. This was through hard work, commitment and working together to produce wheat that is sufficient for the country,” he said.
The effort is greatly appreciated and we are positive that we can also do more than this in the next season.”
Statistics indicate that Mashonaland West is leading after producing 188 541 tonnes, Mashonaland Central 162 646 tonnes, Mashonaland East 123 850 tonnes, Manicaland 53 354 tonnes, Midlands 60 342 tonnes, Masvingo 18 354 tonnes, Matabelaland North 14 542 tonnes and Matabeleland South 18 309 tonnes.
