Winter wheat production takes off in Matabeleland South

Matebeleland South Province is ramping up preparations for the 2025 winter wheat season, with land preparation currently underway and a target of cultivating 2,300 hectares - a modest increase from last year's 2,000 hectares.

The province's major wheat production hubs, Arda Antelope Estate in Matobo and Arda Ingwizi Estate in Mangwe, are already in full swing, buoyed by recent rehabilitation of key irrigation schemes such as Midlo and Masholomoshe under the Green Climate Fund programme.

Arda Antelope Estate has so far planted 350 hectares out of a planned 550 hectares and anticipates a promising yield of 6.5 tonnes per hectare. Estate Manager Mr Aleck Chinyai confirmed the progress and said top-dressing is already underway.

"We have planted 350 hectares, and the crop is now at the tillering stage. The target is 550 hectares, and as we finish harvesting potatoes, commercial maize, and sugar beans, more land will become available," said Mr Chinyai.

He noted that the estate also has 22 hectares of sugar beans at maturity stage, 120 hectares of commercial maize approaching harvest, 132 hectares of hybrid maize, and 45 hectares of potatoes ready for lifting.

In an interview, Matebeleland South Agritex Deputy Director Mr Bhekilizwe Ncube said around 70 percent of land preparation has been completed across the province, with 467 hectares already planted at Ngwizi, Antelope, and Valley irrigation schemes.

"The crop is at germination stage in most areas, and we are working closely with farmers to ensure planting is completed within the recommended timeframe," Mr Ncube said.

He praised the performance of newly rehabilitated irrigation schemes and highlighted the growing participation of individual farmers in wheat cultivation. "More schemes like Midlo and Masholomoshe are now back in production, and individual farmers are also playing a vital role this season."

The shift towards winter wheat comes as harvesting of the summer crop gets underway. Mr Ncube reported strong yields across all districts, with Insiza and Umzingwane leading in maize production, while Gwanda and Matobo districts excelled in small grains.

"Compared to the last two seasons, this year's overall crop performance is very good. Livestock grazing conditions are also favourable and expected to last until the next rainy season," he added.

Masholomoshe Irrigation Scheme Chairperson Mr Polite Moyo expressed optimism about their new role in wheat production. "Our rehabilitation has allowed us to join in, and we're excited. With continued support such as inputs and tillage assistance, our yields can only improve," he said.

The 2025 wheat season is being supported by an unprecedented mobilisation of resources. The Government has deployed 15,381 tractors nationwide - a significant rise from last year's 1,800 - to aid farmers with land preparation.

In addition, chemicals and inputs are readily available from suppliers, while support is being provided through the Presidential Wheat Support Scheme, private contractors, and the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (Neaps).

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services Chief Director Mr Leonard Munamati recently confirmed that Zimbabwe has mobilised adequate resources for the winter cropping season. The national target remains at 120,000 hectares, similar to 2024, with the Government aiming for another bumper harvest.

Mr Ncube urged farmers to work diligently and complete planting in time. "Our technical teams are on the ground, offering training and supervision. We encourage anyone with irrigation access to participate in this critical national programme," he said.

The coordinated approach reflects the Government's continued commitment to enhancing food security through increased winter wheat production.