Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
WHEAT farmers have been urged to expedite planting as the deadline for the winter cropping season approaches, with the government expressing confidence that the national target of 125 000 hectares will be achieved.
Mbungo Estates in Masvingo Province, owned by the Zion Christian Church under the leadership of Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, is among the province’s major wheat producers. This season, the estate has planted 54 hectares of the strategic crop.
The crop is performing well, with management attributing its promising outlook to early planting.
“As Mbungo Estates, we planted 54 hectares of winter wheat this season and commenced planting in April. We are pleased with the condition of the crop and are optimistic about achieving good yields if current conditions persist.
“What we have learnt over the years is that early planting is key to maximising yields,” Farm Manager for the Crop Section at Mbungo Estates, Mr Josphat Zendera, said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, who is conducting a nationwide winter wheat assessment tour, visited the estate this Friday.
Speaking after the tour, Professor Jiri urged farmers who are yet to complete planting to do so urgently to avoid compromising yields.
“We have been moving across the provinces assessing progress during the final week of winter wheat planting. As of today, the country has planted slightly above 105 000 hectares.
“Farmers have responded positively to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for Zimbabwe to attain wheat self-sufficiency. We are witnessing encouraging progress across all provinces.
“However, we are urging those still planting to expedite operations and complete planting this weekend or early next week. Any further delays may negatively affect yields.
“As government, we remain confident that we will meet our target of 125 000 hectares under wheat during the 2026 winter cropping season,” he said.
Masvingo Province is targeting 5 000 hectares under wheat this season and is optimistic of meeting the goal.
“So far, the province has planted 3 475 hectares of wheat, with Mbungo Estates and Riverton Farm among our major producers.
“As we conclude the planting season, we are confident of achieving our target of 5 000 hectares,” Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services for Masvingo Province, Mr Caleb Mahoya, said.
Zimbabwe’s wheat production continues on an upward trajectory, with efforts underway to achieve the 125 000-hectare target and consolidate the country’s gains towards national wheat self-sufficiency.
