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Elton Manguwo

Government has increased wheat production from 75 000 hectares produced last year to 90 000 hectares for this season positioning the country to commence wheat exports.

Speaking recently during the 2023 annual irrigation stakeholders’ indaba held in Harare the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera said the country is now targeting regional wheat exports.

“We need to take advantage of the country’s good climatic conditions and soils to produce for the world,” said Dr Basera.

The 2023/24 winter season programme target is to sustainably increase crop production and productivity to meet and surpass the national requirements.

“Replicating and exceeding last year yields is a key component of the country’s industrialisation process as it will guarantee raw material availability for the private sector and position the country for exports,” said Dr Basera.

“Increased productivity is set to realise the wheat export thrust by boosting production,” said Dr Basera highlighting how they targeting five tonnes per hectare from last 4,7 t/ha recorded last season.

Recently, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Professor Obert Jiri said the increase was necessitated by improved access to water and electricity.

“There is improved electricity supply across the provinces for wheat production with specific focus on major production areas,” he said.

The record 2022 wheat harvest laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth of the sub-sector and the country is targeting 90 000 hectares to achieve over 430 000 tonnes of wheat this season.

Farmers are encouraged to visit their nearest agricultural extension officers for the necessary support on technical issues relating to seeding rate, irrigation management, fertiliser application regimes and any other good agricultural practice pertaining to wheat production.

“Let us focus on every technical aspect to ensure production as we collectively commit to putting every square inch of irrigable land under wheat this 2023 winter season,” Dr Basera.

All contactors and wheat farmers are encouraged to accelerate wheat plantings by June 15 to take advantage of the optimal window that results in high yield levels.