Nation aims for record wheat harvest this winter

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

AS Zimbabwe gears up for its winter cropping season, farmers have planted 38 346 hectares of wheat as they prepare for yet another record harvest and good surpluses.

With the summer crop harvesting nearly complete, focus now shifts to ensuring that the winter grains, mostly wheat and all grown under irrigation, yield good results and high productivity, thus enhancing farmer viability.

The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) has reported notable figures from various schemes.

The ARDAS Joint Venture has planted 8 317 hectares out of 25 234 hectares contracted, while the ARDAS Irrigation Scheme Business Units have completed 728 hectares from 12 265 hectares contracted. Additionally, ARDAS estates have seen 1 216 hectares planted from 2 529 hectares contracted.

The Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) reports 2 483 hectares planted from 2 529 hectares contracted, and CBZ Agroyield has planted 515 hectares out of 4 914 hectares contracted.

Under the Presidential Input Scheme, 135 hectares have been planted from 5 000 hectares contracted, while self-financing efforts have achieved 2 621 hectares planted from the same amount contracted.

Another 14 512 hectares have been planted under the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) from 18 104 hectares contracted. Production of barley, the second most popular winter grain and most destined for malting by brewers, also shows promise, with 2 874 hectares planted from 6 219 hectares contracted.

The Government has set an ambitious target of 600 000 tonnes of wheat this season, which would represent the highest production since the crop’s introduction in 1966. This target surpasses the ordinary national consumption of 360 000 tonnes, although this is now growing as more wheat products are entering the market with the now normal surpluses achieved under the Second Republic.

As part of its strategic plan for 2025, the Government aims to build on the successes of the 2024 Wheat-Based Food Security initiative, which resulted in 119 954 hectares cultivated and a harvest of 562 591 tonnes, with Zimbabweans now starting to eat more wheat-based foods.

Officials emphasise the importance of improving sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security during the winter season.

Water management is also a priority, with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) implementing seasonal billing to ensure adequate irrigation. This allows growers to have water on credit and only pay for their irrigation water when they deliver the crop and are paid.

The Government is preparing national dams to support over 120 000 hectares of wheat and other crops effectively. Alongside this, banks and agricultural contractors are focusing on electricity supply, establishing heat production clusters to ensure farmers have adequate power for irrigation.

To support the planned 120 000 hectares of wheat, a seed requirement of 15 000 tonnes has been identified.

To maximise output, the Government is implementing training programmes for over 22 000 farmers across 272 irrigation schemes, aiming to equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to optimise their production.

On the marketing front, the Grain Marketing Board will purchase all wheat financed under the Presidential Input Programme. Self-financed farmers are encouraged to seek the best market prices for their harvests.

Furthermore, to enhance efficiency, surveillance of quelea bird roosting sites is underway, with chemicals available to manage potential threats to crops.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union operations director Dr Prince Kuipa highlighted the benefits of early planting.

“Some farmers have already planted their wheat while others are preparing the land. Early planting will maximise use of the winter window and enable the crop to be harvested before the onset of the rainy season,” he said.

However, Dr Kuipa acknowledged challenges with tillage services, noting that demand far exceeds supply despite support from AFC and ARDA.

Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa reported that winter wheat planting is progressing well.

“Preparations are in progress in a good way, and farmers are planting while others are still focusing on completing the harvest,” she said.

The Wheat-Based Food Security Strategy aims not only to meet national demand but also to generate a surplus for export and establish a strategic reserve of 250 000 tonnes, as approved by the Cabinet.

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