FAITH NDOU
Masvingo-Masvingo Province has once again targeted to plant 5 000 hectares for the 2026 winter wheat the same as last year.
Preparations are at an advanced stage, with registration of farmers now at 66% for the wheat crop which relies on irrigation in the country.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Provincial AGRITEX Director Caleb Mahoya said Masvingo District is expected to lead production, accounting for 2 374 hectares due to its strong irrigation infrastructure and growing number of commercial farmers.
“The winter wheat programme will be supported through multiple funding streams including AFC Land Bank, the private sector, self-financing farmers and the Presidential Input Programme which will cater for smaller plots,” said Mahoya.
“Additional irrigation schemes are being funded under ARDA joint ventures.”
He added that input distribution is progressing well with seed for the Presidential Input Programme already delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots across the province.
“We have adequate top dressing for the entire 5 000 hectares, and basal fertilizer is currently being received ahead of distribution,” he said.
Seed houses have availed high yielding wheat varieties such as SC Select, SC Nduna, SC Serena, SC W9101, K2 Martial, Limpopo and Zambezi which are expected to boost productivity this season.
Last year the province targeted 5 000hectares and managed to plant 4 791hectares translating into 96% of the targeted hectarage.
This year’s national targeted harvest is 662 000tonnes on 125 000hectares compared to last year’s harvest of over 500 000tonnes.
The nation is expected to produce 4.5tonnes of wheat on every hectare or more depending on the soil and management.
For self sufficiency the country requires over 360 000 metric tonnes of wheat per year for production of mainly bread and other products that require the winter crop.
Mahoya emphasized the importance of timely planting, noting that farmers in the Middleveld region should begin planting between mid-April and the end of May with the optimum window being between May 1 and May 15.
“Planting after May 31 results in yield losses of up to 50 kilogrammes per hectare per day while planting after June 15 is strongly discouraged,” he said.
“Early planting allows crops to benefit from low temperatures which improve tillering.”
AGRITEX is also actively supporting farmers through training programmes, pre-season planning meetings and facilitating contract arrangements with ARDA and other partners.
“We are equipping farmers with knowledge through seminars and farmer-to-farmer training while also assisting with registration for input support programmes,” Mahoya said.
However, climate variability continues to pose significant challenges to wheat production.
“Shorter periods of cool temperatures are reducing tillering while early heat in July and August affects flowering, ultimately lowering yields,” he said.
“We are also seeing the emergence of new pests and diseases due to changing climatic conditions.”
To mitigate these impacts, AGRITEX is encouraging farmers to conduct soil testing, adopt early planting, use drought-tolerant and early maturing varieties and improve irrigation scheduling. Crop insurance and enhanced climate advisory services are also being promoted.
Meanwhile, harvesting of early summer crops is at an advanced stage across the province with maize, sorghum and pearl millet yields expected to be strong following a generally good season.
Despite the positive outlook, farmers are facing challenges including intermittent rains delaying harvesting, labour shortages and post-harvest losses.
“Labour shortages particularly in areas producing traditional grains, remain a concern but we are facilitating access to combine harvesters,” Mahoya said.
“We are also urging farmers to use dryers, grain protectants and proper storage facilities to reduce losses.”
He encouraged farmers to take advantage of dry spells to harvest crops promptly and safeguard yields.
“We expect a good harvest overall but proper handling and storage will be critical to preserving the gains made this season,” he said.
