Final push to meet wheat deadline

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

Zimbabwe is scrambling to meet its ambitious winter wheat planting target of 120,000 hectares, with just over 66,000 hectares planted so far—barely halfway to the goal—as the June 15 deadline looms. Delays in harvesting summer crops have slowed progress, raising concerns that the country may fall short of surpassing last year’s record of 119,000 hectares.

Every year, wheat farmers race against time to complete planting before mid-June to avoid early rains that can damage the crop’s quality.

With less than two weeks remaining in the ideal planting window, government authorities and farming unions are calling for a nationwide acceleration in planting activity.

“Notably, farmers have already planted over 66,000 hectares of wheat, but we encourage them to continue planting, as the winter planting period is nearing its end,” said Leonard Munamati, Acting Chief Director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS).

Munamati said farmers have the potential to achieve yields of more than five tonnes per hectare this season—provided they continue to follow technical guidance from experts.

“We are pleased that farmers are working closely with Agriculture Extension Officers and ZINWA (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) to match their planting areas to available water resources,” he said.

Wheat is a critical staple in Zimbabwe, with national annual demand estimated at 360,000 tonnes. In recent years, the country has ramped up local production to reduce dependence on imports—especially in the face of global disruptions to grain supplies caused by geopolitical tensions and climate change.

Authorities have placed high hopes on the 2024 winter wheat season, buoyed by strong support infrastructure.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has ring-fenced an additional 160 megawatts of electricity specifically for wheat irrigation to ensure uninterrupted power supply to farmers during the crucial stages of production.

“Energy security is no longer a major bottleneck this season,” an agriculture official said. “ZESA’s commitment is a game-changer, especially for farmers who rely heavily on irrigation infrastructure.”

Experts have repeatedly advised farmers to plant early to maximise yields and avoid potential losses due to untimely rains.

“The government is targeting an early planting season, because any planting after that will not be as economic as it should be,” Munamati said, adding that the risk of disease and poor grain quality increases with late planting.

With abundant water levels available in major irrigation schemes and dams, authorities are urging farmers to take advantage of the resources at their disposal.

“There is enough water, and farmers who have irrigation equipment should not delay,” said an extension officer from Mashonaland West. “Every day counts now.”

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president, Dr. Shadreck Makombe, said while significant progress had been made, more effort is needed in the remaining days of the planting window.

“We are hopeful of reaching the 120,000 hectares target and with the good work being done across the country, we expect to reach the target. We remain optimistic about reaching the 120,000 hectares target,” Dr. Makombe said.

He acknowledged that while the initial pace was slow, momentum was building as more farmers completed harvesting of summer crops and switched to wheat.

The pressure to reach the planting target is also driven by a broader government strategy to ensure food security and cut the import bill. Last year, Zimbabwe produced around 375,000 tonnes of wheat, marking one of its most successful seasons, and authorities are eager to replicate or exceed that performance.

However, agronomists warn that missing the June 15 deadline could jeopardise those ambitions. Wheat planted after mid-June typically matures during the rainy season, which can lead to diseases like rust and fusarium, reducing both yield and quality.

“The window is narrowing fast. Every farmer who can plant now must do so,” one agronomist advised. “We are already playing catch-up.”

Despite the challenges, both the government and farming stakeholders remain hopeful that with coordinated effort, Zimbabwe can hit or at least come close to the 120,000-hectare mark in the coming days.

The next two weeks will determine whether Zimbabwe can maintain its upward trajectory in wheat production and further shield itself from volatile global grain markets.