Masvingo Province sets ambitious wheat production targets

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

Masvingo province has set bold and ambitious wheat production targets for the 2025 season, signalling its growing importance in Zimbabwe’s efforts to ensure food security.

This commitment was underscored at the recent winter wheat pre-planning seminar held at the Civic Centre Hall in Masvingo. The event, centred on strategies for the upcoming 2025 winter wheat season, highlighted the province’s strategic role in contributing to the nation’s wheat supply.

In his keynote address, Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, outlined the province’s substantial progress in wheat production.

He revealed that the area under wheat cultivation in Masvingo has grown significantly—from 2,100 hectares in 2023 to 2,924 hectares in 2024—showcasing the province’s increasing prominence in the national wheat production landscape.

Minister Chadzamira emphasized the importance of wheat in Zimbabwe’s 2025 Wheat-Based Food Security Strategy, stating that Masvingo’s contribution is vital to the nation’s food security efforts.

“Masvingo Province’s level of production and yields continues to increase, thanks to the efforts  of our farmers and the guidance from Agritex extension officers. We must maintain this momentum and make surpassing set targets a tradition,” he urged.

The province has already exceeded its initial target of 3,000 hectares for winter cereals, achieving a total of 3,109.22 hectares.

This success was partly driven by the 399 hectares of winter maize planted in Chiredzi. Masvingo District led the charge with 1,071.17 hectares dedicated to winter wheat, followed by Chiredzi with 822.15 hectares. Other districts also made notable contributions, reinforcing the collective effort to expand wheat production across the region.

A special mention was made of the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, which operates under a gravity-fed irrigation system. With the capacity to cultivate over 500 hectares of the available 800 hectares of irrigable land, this innovative scheme promises to significantly boost wheat yields, further cementing Masvingo’s role as a key player in Zimbabwe’s wheat production.

Despite seasonal challenges, Masvingo’s farmers continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The adoption of modern farming technologies and techniques has played a crucial role in increasing both production levels and yields.

“Thanks to the dedication of our farmers and the guidance of Agritex extension officers, the province’s wheat production continues to improve,” Chadzamira noted.

With a renewed focus on the 2025 season, the province has set an ambitious target of 4,000 hectares for wheat production—a goal Minister Chadzamira expressed confidence in surpassing based on the province’s track record.

The government remains committed to supporting wheat farmers through various initiatives designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices. These include the ARDA Irrigation Schemes, joint ventures with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), and the provision of Presidential Input Packages for smallholder winter wheat farmers. Financial institutions such as AFC, CBZ Agroyield, and NMB, along with local farming organizations, also provide critical support to the sector.

In his closing remarks, Chadzamira encouraged farmers to fully leverage these government-backed initiatives, underscoring the importance of training and collaboration with Agritex officers.

“Let us maximize these opportunities as we work toward meeting and exceeding our targets,” he concluded.

As Zimbabwe continues its pursuit of greater food security and self-sufficiency, Masvingo Province’s expanding commitment to wheat production will play an increasingly vital role in the country’s agricultural future.