Midlands poised for strong winter wheat cropping season

MIDLANDS province is poised for a strong comeback in winter wheat production this year, with an ambitious target of 12 000 hectares set as preparations intensify across the province.

The renewed momentum in wheat farming is being driven by a combination of Government support, including the Presidential Inputs Programme and growing interest from commercial and smallholder farmers alike. Distribution of seed and fertilisers has already started at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots in key wheat-growing zones.

With just under a week left before the official planting window opens on May 1, authorities are urging farmers to mobilise swiftly to meet timelines for the winter wheat season, which runs from May to August, with harvesting expected between October and December.

In an interview, Midlands’ provincial director of Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni, said preparations are progressing well across the province.

“Farmers are registering to produce wheat under various schemes, including the Presidential Input Scheme for those with less than five hectares. We also have Arda contracts for larger producers and financial support from institutions like AFC, CBZ and NMB,” she said.

Ms Mavankeni said areas under irrigation in Sherwood Block, Kwekwe district, and parts of Mberengwa, Lower Gweru and Shurugwi will play a critical role in reaching the provincial target.

Among the top producers are Mr Douglas Kwande of DCK Investments, who last year planted nearly 400 hectares, and Pricabe Farm, owned by the First Family, which previously put 500 hectares under wheat.

Ms Mavankeni urged farmers to be on high alert for quelea birds, which are known to destroy wheat fields as they move in large numbers.

“We encourage farmers to scout for quelea birds, identify roosting sites and report to the Migratory Pests Department through their extension officers. Drones are available to control the birds,” she said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, confirmed that all necessary inputs, including seed and fertiliser, were being made available to ensure a successful planting season.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has reassured farmers that water supplies are secure, with dam levels higher than the same period last year.-chroncile

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