As Zimbabwe enters the rainy season, the Government has accelerated efforts to ensure farmers have timely access to combine harvesters to complete the winter wheat harvest before the end of October.
The 2025 winter wheat season is on track to produce a record-breaking 600 000 tonnes from over 120 000 hectares planted across the country. However, sporadic early rains in areas such as Bulawayo have raised concerns among farmers in Nyamandlovu and Umguza districts about potential crop losses.
Rains can damage wheat through waterlogging, pre-harvest sprouting, and reduced grain quality. Earlier this month, a hailstorm at Tuli Makwe Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda District destroyed 72 hectares of wheat, slashing expected yields from 360 tonnes to less than half and affecting Matabeleland South Province’s projected output of 21 000 tonnes.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the Government is taking proactive measures to protect the crop.
“Government has expedited access to combine harvesters for all farmers so that those who are still lagging behind in harvesting their crop can do so before the onset of the rainy season,” Prof Jiri said.
He added that dryers have been deployed across the country to reduce post-harvest losses caused by excess moisture, which can lead to spoilage, mold, and bacterial growth.
At Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme in Nyamandlovu, 12 communal farmers – eight men and four women – have begun harvesting eight hectares of the 15 hectares they planted. Farmers are currently using a combine harvester hired from a local commercial farmer, with arrangements in place to complete the remaining seven hectares once the machine becomes available.
“The wheat was planted in two stages, and the remaining hectares are ready for harvest. Fortunately, early rains have not reached Nyamandlovu, and we anticipate completing harvesting by the end of October,” said local Agritex officer Ms Sithabisiwe Mpofu.
Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme, established in 2002, has seen its membership dwindle over the years due to manual labor challenges. Government support through the Agricultural Rural Development Agency (Arda), including the provision of a tractor, centre pivot irrigation, and borehole rehabilitation, has revitalized the scheme and boosted productivity, according to chairman Costa Moyo.
“Government interventions have transformed our farming operations, turning our work into a more profitable and sustainable venture,” Mr Moyo said.
In Matabeleland North, only 300 hectares of wheat remain to be harvested from the 2 384 hectares planted. Director of Agritex for the province, Mr Mkhulunyelwa Ndlovu, said the target of 11 900 tonnes remains attainable.
“We anticipate completing the harvest within five days, barring any last-minute equipment breakdowns. Farmers are meeting the projected yield of 5.5 tonnes per hectare, keeping us on track for a successful season,” Mr Ndlovu said.
With Government support and timely mechanisation, Zimbabwe’s wheat farmers are optimistic that the 2025 season will deliver record yields despite early weather challenges.
Source – The Chronicle
