ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s government has ramped up efforts to accelerate the 2024 winter wheat harvest as it races against the clock to complete operations before the onset of early rains.
More than 2,000 hectares of the crop have been harvested, with officials setting an ambitious pace to ensure the entire harvest is completed in time to clear the fields for summer crops.
Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, highlighted the government’s commitment to reaching key milestones, emphasizing that seven percent of the wheat crop should be harvested by September 30.
“The initial harvesting stages are crucial, as they set the tone for the remainder of the season. Achieving the seven percent milestone will allow us to assess the effectiveness of our current practices and make any necessary adjustments,” said Prof Jiri.
The government has set a target to finish wheat harvesting by the end of October to ensure farmers can transition smoothly to planting summer crops.
“Timely harvesting is important because completing the task by the set deadline will allow farmers to optimize their yields and make necessary preparations for planting summer crops,” Prof Jiri added.
To support this accelerated timeline, the Zimbabwean government has secured 310 combine harvesters, a critical resource in expediting the process.
Additionally, the government is facilitating connections between wheat farmers in irrigation schemes and those leasing these machines to ensure quick, efficient harvesting.
“The use of combine harvesters allows for quick and more efficient harvesting, reducing the time crops are exposed to potential weather-related issues,” Prof Jiri noted.
With wheat being a key staple for the country, ensuring its successful harvest is essential to reducing reliance on imports, which have historically strained foreign exchange reserves.
The 2024 wheat season is part of Zimbabwe’s broader agricultural strategy to increase wheat production, targeting 85,000 hectares under winter wheat.
The country’s wheat production has steadily increased over the years, with a focus on achieving self-sufficiency.
In 2023, Zimbabwe produced over 375,000 tonnes of wheat, a significant milestone in reducing its dependency on imports, according to a report from the Zimbabwean government.
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