MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, John Basera says farmers have so far planted over 37 000hacters of winter wheat compared to 28 000 Ha the previous year during the same period.
Basera said last season harvest has laid a strong foundation for the sub-sector as the government revised upwards its target to 90 000 hectares for the winter wheat crop and projected to harvest over 430 000 tonnes of the grain, compared to 375 000Mt achieved in 2022.
“The record 2022 wheat harvest laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth of the sub-sector. We are targeting 90 000ha to achieve over 430 000MT of wheat this season. As at 24 May, 2023, over 37 000Ha had been planted comparable to 28 000ha planted same period in 2022,” he said.
He urged farmers to expedite the planting process as the May 31 deadline is fast approaching.
Planting wheat after the May is not advisable as the harvest will be affected by early rains.
“As we collectively commit to putting every square inch of irrigable land under wheat this 2023 winter season, all contractors and wheat farmers are encouraged to accelerate wheat planting before the end of May to take advantage of the optimal window that results in high yield levels. Early planting guarantees the best productivity levels always,” said Basera.
Zimbabwe requires 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually for self-sufficiency, as such this year’s expected harvest will result in a significant surplus.
The wheat cropping is being supported by various financing models that include private contractors, Government’s National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), Presidential wheat support scheme and self-financed growers.
CBZ Agro-Yield is targeting to contract 20 000ha to achieve an average yield of 4, 8 tonnes/ha, with the estimated production set at 96 000 tonnes.
The AFC Land Bank projected yield of 4,8 t/ha from the 15 000ha and estimated production is 72 000 tonnes.
Private sector and self-financed are targeting 25 0000ha with a projected average yield of 4, 8t/ha to give an estimated production of 120 000 tonnes, while the Presidential scheme targets 20 000 ha at a projected average yield of 4, 8 t/ha, with an estimated production of 96 000 tonnes.
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has also come on board by ring-fencing 120 megawatts required electricity for wheat production in the country.
The Ministry is also working closely with Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure they are adequately prepared for wheat production.
