Zim expects to harvest 415 000 tonnes of wheat               

Patience Muchemwa

Zimbabwe predicts a record wheat harvest of 415 000 tonnes this year, representing a 10% increase from the previous season.

This projection is based on data collected using Zimbabwe’s first satellite, ZimSat-1, which employed the multi-temporal satellite image collection technique to monitor harvesting between May and August.

This complex technique involves acquiring satellite images of the same area at different times, providing valuable insights into crop growth and agricultural conditions.

“Data from images harvested by ZimSat-1 shows that Zimbabwe is projected to harvest 415 000t of wheat and 15 000t of barley. Last year, the country produced 375 000t of the cereal, against an annual consumption requirement of 360 000t,” Zimbabwe Economic Review confirmed

Farmers in various provinces dedicated significant hectares to wheat and barley cultivation, with Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central leading the way with the bumper wheat harvest expected to contribute to the country’s goal of becoming a net exporter of wheat.

Zimbabwe’s success in achieving this record wheat harvest demonstrates the benefits of using satellite technology for agricultural monitoring and planning, ensuring food security and contributing to the country's economic development.