Government has extended the deadline for winter wheat planting from May 31 to June 15 citing wet conditions that have delayed harvesting of last season’s summer crop.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Medlinah Magwenzi said as of May 31, 73% of the 125,000ha national target had been planted.
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“As we speak right now, we have planted over 91 000 hectares out of our 125 000 hectares, which is about 73%,” said Magwenzi.
“Most of the maize crop, soyabeans and even traditional grains are still in the fields and because of that we cannot transition smoothly to winter wheat production.”
Magwenzi urged farmers to adopt recommended agronomic practices for late planting.
This year, government set a target of planting 125,000 hectares of winter wheat, with an expected output of 662,500 tonnes, enough to meet national requirements and maintain the country’s food self-sufficiency drive.
Last year, a record 639,942 tonnes of wheat was harvested from about 122,566 hectares, surpassing the country’s annual consumption requirements and creating a surplus for potential exports.
The 2025 harvest followed another strong season in 2024, when farmers produced a record 518,502 tonnes from 106,238 hectares.-newsday
