Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
Government is pleased with the yields attained in the 2023/24 winter wheat season that resulted in a total yield of almost 570 000 metric tonnes.
While basking in the glory of a good winter wheat season that saw a record 563 961 metric tonnes of wheat produced nationally, what has been also pleasing is the increase in yield per tonne per hectare.
According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the figures show that improved agriculture practices in Matebeleland North and South have resulted in better yields as compared to last year.
“In Mat North, there was a slight yield increase. Last season, the yield per tonne per hectare was 2,9 tonnes and this year it went to 3,1 tonnes. That is what we are encouraging that we need to improve in terms of yield per tonne per hectare. This is quite interesting that in those provinces which were affected by the El-nino drought, we still managed to produce the good tonnage yield per hectare,” ARDAS Acting Chief Director Mr Leonard Munamati said.
Increased investment in Irrigation infrastructure, capacity building and inputs support from government has also positively impacted the growth of the agricultural sector.
