The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
FARMERS in Matabeleland South Province have started preparing for the winter cropping season, with registration ongoing for those interested in receiving inputs through the Presidential Input Scheme.
In an interview, Matabeleland South acting provincial director for the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services Directorate, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said farmers have turned their attention to this year’s winter wheat crop.
“We had a challenging 2023/24 summer cropping season due to the El Nino phenomenon effects, with below-normal rainfall recorded across the country.
“We have started registering interested farmers who will receive inputs from the Presidential Input Scheme before the winter season,” he said.
He said some have indicated that they will plant both maize and wheat under irrigation.
Mr Ndlovu said for winter wheat early planting was expected to begin in mid-April, while some farmers are set to start land preparation soon.
Last year, the province was targeting an average yield of 22 890 tonnes of wheat, an increase from 2022’s 11 430 tonnes.
The province put 4 578 hectares under wheat compared to 2 286 hectares in 2022, surpassing its target of 3 200 hectares.
The increase was attributed to various strategies that were implemented by the Government and its partners as well as buy-in from farmers.
Zimbabwe, last year achieved yet another winter wheat production record of over 460 000 tonnes after recording the highest wheat harvest since production of the cereal started of 375 000 metric tonnes in 2022.
This year, the Government plans to put over 90 000 hectares under wheat during the winter season, which could potentially yield another record harvest.
The authorities are targeting a haul of 450 000 tonnes of the cereal, which is about 90 000 tonnes more than local demand. Assessments are being done to ensure there is enough water in the country’s dams for irrigation.
The Government is also mobilising resources such as seeds, tractors, fuel and fertilisers.
While, AFC Holdings, through its Land and Development Bank, is expected to finance at least 18 000 hectares of a winter wheat crop this season. This will be supported by agro-bills that will be backed by Government guarantees.
Meanwhile, farmers in Matabeleland South who heeded the Government’s call to grow drought-resistant traditional small grains in the wake of El Nino-induced droughts have expressed hope of recording a good harvest as evidenced by the condition of their crop.
Due to El Nino weather conditions, most farmers planted between December and January when moderate rains were received.
The Government urged farmers in dry regions to embrace drought-resistant traditional small grains such as sorghum and millet instead of the staple maize crop, especially in the wake of climate change-induced droughts and erratic rainfall.
Farmers were urged to promote the production and consumption of traditional millet varieties across the social divide as the grains play an important role in contributing to the country’s food security and nutrition agenda.
Mr Ndlovu said: “With millet, if it receives good rains three times it matures. This is a lesson for everyone and farmers should understand the effects of climate change. The quality of yield may not be the same compared to the period during a good rainy season but those who planted millet are getting something.”
