Wheat progress in Midlands province

Farmers in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province have made impressive strides in the ongoing 2025 winter wheat planting season, with over 1,000 hectares already sown and approximately 800 hectares having germinated successfully.

Winter wheat planting in the region typically runs from mid-April through the last week of May, with the first two weeks of May considered the optimal window for high-veld areas. Although planting may sometimes extend into mid-June, this is generally discouraged due to potential reductions in yield. In the low-veld areas, planting can start even earlier to take advantage of local climatic conditions.

The province aims to hit an ambitious target of 12,000 hectares this season, matching last year's achievement of 12,081 hectares. The growing momentum is supported by government initiatives such as the Presidential Inputs Programme (PIP) and increased interest from both commercial and smallholder farmers.

Farmers in key wheat-producing zones have already collected seeds and fertilisers from Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots as they ramp up preparations.

Midlands Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni, urged farmers who have yet to begin planting to expedite their activities to meet the seasonal timelines. The winter wheat season typically spans from May to August, with harvesting expected between October and December.

"We are targeting 12,000 hectares of wheat during the 2025 season, the same as last year. Planting to date has mostly taken place in Kwekwe District, which accounts for about 85 percent of the province's wheat production," Ms Mavankeni said.

Key commercial farmers in Kwekwe include Mr Douglas Kwande of DCK Investments (DCK Farm), Mr Daniel Burger of Sherwood Park Estate, and the First Family's Pricabe Farm. Last year, DCK Farm planted about 400 hectares, Sherwood Park 280 hectares, and Pricabe Farm over 500 hectares under wheat.

"Land preparation, contracting, and planting are the main activities currently underway across the wheat-producing areas," Ms Mavankeni noted, adding that the late rains received this season have eased land preparation efforts.

"Our planted area stands at just over 1,000 hectares, with 824 hectares already showing germination. Irrigated zones such as Sherwood Block in Kwekwe District, and parts of Mberengwa, Lower Gweru, and Shurugwi, continue to be the heartlands of wheat production in the province," she added.

Various programmes are supporting wheat cultivation efforts, including the Presidential Inputs Programme, ARDA Presidential irrigation schemes, and ARDA Joint Venture initiatives.

Ms Mavankeni also urged farmers to remain vigilant against migratory pests, particularly quelea birds, encouraging them to report roosting sites to Agritex extension officers or the Migratory Pests Department. "Drones are available for bird control," she said.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has assured farmers of sufficient water supplies for irrigation this winter, noting that dam levels are currently higher than in the previous season.

With strong government support, favourable weather, and proactive pest management, Midlands Province is well-positioned for a successful winter wheat harvest in 2025.