Oscar J Jeke
Zim Now Reporter
Wheat farmers across the country’s provinces have broken the record with over 91 000 hectares had been planted as of May 31.
The figure is higher than last season’s 60 000, with government encouraging farmers to utilise the extended planting period set to last on June 14.
Initially, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development had announced that the national target for this winter planting season 120 000 hectares, with farmers already at 76 percent, which translates into 91.167 hectares of the total area planted.
This number goes to show a bumper harvest expected from this winter period, as last year’s production from 90 000 hectares produced nearly 420 000 tonnes in harvest.
“Wheat farmers break a record of over 91 000 hectares as at 31st of May 2024, surpassing the previous record. Congratulations farmers for heeding the call to ‘WHEAT BASED FOOD SECURITY as a drought mitigation strategy’,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, optimum planting dates had been set from last week of April to the end of May but the period has been extended to June 14. Government also revealed that Mashonaland East Province leads in the hectarage planted this season with 83 percent of 21 000 hectares planted.
“Targeted wheat planting area: 120 000ha. Total area planted: 91 167ha (76% of target). Last season’s final total: 91 000ha. Previous season’s planting by same time: 60 000ha.
“Expected record harvest: 600 000 tonnes. Last year s production from 90 000ha: Nearly 420 000 tonnes. Optimum planting dates: Last week of April to end of May.
“Planted % against target: Mash Central: 74% of 28 000ha planted. Mash East: 83% of 21 000ha planted. Mashonaland West: 67% of 34 000ha planted. Midlands: 48% of 12 000ha planted. Masvingo: 75% of 4 000ha planted. Matabeleland North: 33% of 2 500ha planted. Matabeleland South: 37% of 5 500ha planted. ARDA irrigation schemes: 60% of 15 000ha planted. ARDA Estate: 109% of 2 000ha planted. ARDA Joint Ventures: 71% of 43 000ha planted. Self-financing farmers: 142% of 1 000ha planted. CBZ Agro yield: 44% of 8 500ha planted. NMB: 84% of 2 500ha planted. AFC Land Bank: 70% of 14 000ha planted,” Lands Ministry posted on X.
Meanwhile, the Grain Marketing Board has also announced settlement of all arrears owed to wheat farmers, a move it says will help farmers buy resources and inputs for this planting season.
“The GMB is pleased to advise our valued farmers that all outstanding payments for wheat have been cleared. GMB greatly appreciates the support received from Treasury in mobilising financial resources to clear outstanding wheat payments,” the national grain reserve posted on X.
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