News / National
Zimbabwe focuses on boosting productivity in winter season
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Zimbabwe has positioned itself for a strong winter cropping season with an estimated 141,000 hectares available for wheat production following an extensive rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure. Of this, 7,500 hectares are earmarked for smallholder farmers. However, authorities say the main focus this year is not merely expanding hectarage, but improving yields per unit area.
The Government has set a target of 120,000 hectares under wheat, with an additional 6,500 hectares allocated for barley and 8,750 hectares for potatoes. This strategic move aims to bolster national food security and reduce import reliance.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasized the importance of timely planting aligned with the cooler winter growth period. "Our thrust is maximising yields per unit area than just expanding area planted," he said, noting that the availability of 141,000 hectares is a clear indicator of the country's preparedness for the season.
Rehabilitation efforts have prioritised irrigation efficiency, particularly for smallholder farmers, with emphasis on water supply, mechanisation, input provision, and pest control. "Our strategic focus on rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and ensuring adequate water supply is crucial for maximising productivity," Prof Jiri said.
According to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), a total of 169,779.89 tonnes of basal and top-dressing fertilisers are already available for farmers. In a bid to protect the crop from migratory pests such as quelea birds, the Government has procured 10,000 litres of fenthion and is maintaining active surveillance at known roosting sites including Save Conservancy and Muzarabani.
In terms of mechanisation, around 15,381 tractors are accessible for land preparation, while 343 combine harvesters are being prepared to ensure timely harvesting. Efforts are also underway to optimise the deployment of this machinery through coordinated mapping between farmers and contractors.
To guarantee uninterrupted irrigation, the Government is engaging stakeholders to ring-fence 150 megawatts of electricity specifically for winter cropping. Additionally, all wheat farmers will be covered under a mandatory insurance scheme facilitated by the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, aimed at mitigating potential crop losses.
Security remains a concern, with Prof Jiri highlighting that local security clusters are being encouraged to help prevent farm-related theft and vandalism. Meanwhile, disbursements of outstanding payments from the previous cropping season—totalling ZiG64.9 million and US$5.1 million—are currently underway to ensure farmers have the necessary financial resources for the current season.
To bolster access to financing and services, the Government is also encouraging farmers to acquire title deeds. It is promoting joint ventures as a strategy to attract private investment and improve production efficiency across the sector.
Capacity building remains central to the Government's agricultural reform efforts. Over 22,000 individual farmers and 460 irrigation schemes have received training. In addition, weekly agronomic tips are being shared with farmers and extension officers to reinforce best practices in wheat production.
"Our comprehensive approach includes empowering farmers with knowledge through extensive training programmes and ensuring a stable operating environment through reliable power supply and security measures," Prof Jiri added.
Despite the Government's preparations, some farmers have raised concerns over delays in receiving payments, especially as the winter planting season intensifies. Authorities have acknowledged these concerns and say measures are being taken to improve the speed and efficiency of disbursements.
With favourable conditions, adequate inputs, and a renewed focus on efficiency and yields, Zimbabwe aims to achieve a productive and successful 2025 winter wheat season.
The Government has set a target of 120,000 hectares under wheat, with an additional 6,500 hectares allocated for barley and 8,750 hectares for potatoes. This strategic move aims to bolster national food security and reduce import reliance.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasized the importance of timely planting aligned with the cooler winter growth period. "Our thrust is maximising yields per unit area than just expanding area planted," he said, noting that the availability of 141,000 hectares is a clear indicator of the country's preparedness for the season.
Rehabilitation efforts have prioritised irrigation efficiency, particularly for smallholder farmers, with emphasis on water supply, mechanisation, input provision, and pest control. "Our strategic focus on rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and ensuring adequate water supply is crucial for maximising productivity," Prof Jiri said.
According to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), a total of 169,779.89 tonnes of basal and top-dressing fertilisers are already available for farmers. In a bid to protect the crop from migratory pests such as quelea birds, the Government has procured 10,000 litres of fenthion and is maintaining active surveillance at known roosting sites including Save Conservancy and Muzarabani.
In terms of mechanisation, around 15,381 tractors are accessible for land preparation, while 343 combine harvesters are being prepared to ensure timely harvesting. Efforts are also underway to optimise the deployment of this machinery through coordinated mapping between farmers and contractors.
To guarantee uninterrupted irrigation, the Government is engaging stakeholders to ring-fence 150 megawatts of electricity specifically for winter cropping. Additionally, all wheat farmers will be covered under a mandatory insurance scheme facilitated by the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, aimed at mitigating potential crop losses.
Security remains a concern, with Prof Jiri highlighting that local security clusters are being encouraged to help prevent farm-related theft and vandalism. Meanwhile, disbursements of outstanding payments from the previous cropping season—totalling ZiG64.9 million and US$5.1 million—are currently underway to ensure farmers have the necessary financial resources for the current season.
To bolster access to financing and services, the Government is also encouraging farmers to acquire title deeds. It is promoting joint ventures as a strategy to attract private investment and improve production efficiency across the sector.
Capacity building remains central to the Government's agricultural reform efforts. Over 22,000 individual farmers and 460 irrigation schemes have received training. In addition, weekly agronomic tips are being shared with farmers and extension officers to reinforce best practices in wheat production.
"Our comprehensive approach includes empowering farmers with knowledge through extensive training programmes and ensuring a stable operating environment through reliable power supply and security measures," Prof Jiri added.
Despite the Government's preparations, some farmers have raised concerns over delays in receiving payments, especially as the winter planting season intensifies. Authorities have acknowledged these concerns and say measures are being taken to improve the speed and efficiency of disbursements.
With favourable conditions, adequate inputs, and a renewed focus on efficiency and yields, Zimbabwe aims to achieve a productive and successful 2025 winter wheat season.
Source - zimpapers
