Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S drive to build strategic grain reserves remains firmly on course, with Matabeleland North Province surpassing its 2026 winter wheat production target.
Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target of producing more than 600 000 tonnes of wheat during the 2026 winter cropping season, a goal that Matabeleland North Province has embraced through flagship irrigation projects such as the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme.
The scheme played a key role in helping the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) exceed its provincial wheat target of approximately 2000 hectares this season.
In Matabeleland North, ARDA planted over 3100 Hectares, with the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme contributing over 100 hectares.
“Our provisional target was 2 100 hectares, but we have since surpassed that and are now sitting at 3 012 hectares of wheat established. The Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme has made a significant contribution with 120 hectares under wheat. The general outlook of the crop is very good and promising. We expect average yields of more than five tonnes per hectare, while crops across other irrigation schemes are also in excellent condition,” ARDA Regional Manager for Matabeleland, Mr Ndodana Ncube said.
Farmers at the irrigation scheme attributed the promising crop to reliable water supplies and Government support through input provision.
“We thank the President for giving us this opportunity to grow crops and support our families. ARDA supplied us with inputs and the crop is looking very good. We expect to harvest not less than five tonnes per hectare,” Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme Secretary, Mrs Kate Dube said.
Vice Chairperson of the irrigation scheme, Mr Viosy Nxumalo, said abundant water supplies at Bubi-Lupane Dam had created favourable conditions for production.
“We have planted a total of 120 hectares here at the Bubi-Lupane irrigation scheme. This year is a better year for us; we have plenty of water at Bubi-Lupane Dam. We are looking forward to sell at GMB and pay all our outstanding dues such as water and electricity and share profits as well.”
The Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo, toured the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme on Wednesday and commended its transformative impact on rural livelihoods and food security.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and the Bubi–Lupane Irrigation Scheme continues to play a vital role in promoting food security and rural economic development. Covering 540 hectares, with 120 hectares under wheat production, the scheme has the potential to generate more than US$500 000 annually while creating employment opportunities for over 300 people.”
Commissioned in 2021, the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme is now in its sixth production cycle, with the current wheat crop demonstrating the growing success of government-led irrigation development initiatives.
