Story by Tendai Munengwa
GOVERNMENT has extended the winter wheat planting deadline to June 15 to ensure the achievement of this year’s target of 125 000 hectares, with over 100 000 hectares already planted nationwide.
The extension comes as the national winter wheat outlook remains positive, with most crops planted within the recommended May window reported to be performing well across the country.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said progress on the ground was encouraging following a visit to Clifton Farm in Mashonaland Central Province.
“The farmers have done well. Our target is 125 000 hectares, and so far, over 100 000 hectares have been planted. We are pleased that the bulk of the crop has germinated well, and water is generally available, except for areas around Mazowe Dam. However, farmers have resorted to alternative water sources to ensure continued planting. We are confident of reaching 125 000 hectares by mid-June,” he said.
While Government support programmes continue to underpin production, some farmers are also investing independently. One such farmer, Mr Ben Masuko, said his 40-hectare crop has established well.
“We planted on time in the first week of May and almost 100 percent of our wheat has germinated well. We expect yields of not less than 10 tonnes per hectare according to agro-dealers who supplied the seed. We also appeal for regular review of the producer price in line with production costs,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Province has been allocated a target of 25 000 hectares. Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary, Mr Timothy Maregere, said the province had achieved 80 percent of its target and remained on course to complete planting by mid-June.
He also noted that Statutory Instrument 91 of 2026 has been introduced to address water challenges affecting Mazowe Dam.
The country is projected to produce over 660 000 tonnes of wheat this season. Government has also increased the producer price to US$524 per tonne, up from US$460 last year, as part of efforts to incentivise production and strengthen national food security.
