Stage set for wheat production:
THE Middle Sabi is fighting to reclaim its place as one of the biggest producers of wheat in Manicaland as more than 1200 hectares have been put under the winter wheat programme this year.
The province has put a total of 7000 ha under winter wheat this year, up from last year’s 3000 ha.
Middle Sabi, a large irrigated area on exceptionally fertile land in south-west Chipinge District, is occupied by A1 and A2 farmers.
Production of wheat in the region had gone down during the past decade owing to various challenges faced by the farmers.
However, in the past few years, the farmers have been increasing production and are now seeking to make a meaningful impact in wheat production.
Middle Sabi farmers’ syndicate chairman Mr Sikhumbuzo Thondlana said Middle Sabi is ready to rise again.
He said a portion of the wheat being produced is in partnership with investors while the rest of the farmers had been contracted under Command Agriculture.
“We have put about 1200 hectares under Command Wheat. About 500ha is being done by A2 farmers and investors from Agri-Alliance. The rest of the farmers are being contracted under Command individually. So far, plus or minus 60 hectares has already germinated,” he said.
The window period for planting winter wheat closed at the end of May.
“Planting wheat is all about timing so we pushed to beat the window period.
“We have been getting uninterrupted electricity supply so irrigation is going on well. We will definitely increase production to where it used to be in the past, especially if the Command Agriculture programme continues to fund the farmers,” he said.
The only challenge that might disturb this plan is limited number of tractors in use.
Mr Thondlana said the syndicate only has three functional tractors, which are inadequate considering the hectarage that has been put under wheat.
“We don’t have enough tractors, which is the major problem we are facing at the moment. We also expect some breakdowns on our three tractors,” he said.
With the national’s hectarage targeted to be 80 000 ha, Government has made a commitment to support 65 000 ha while the private sector is funding other 15 ha.
It is expected that the country will produce 415 000 tonnes this year.
Zimbabwe requires at least 400 000 tonnes of wheat every year. However, the country has been producing much less than that and importing the balance. Government is now encouraging wheat production on all farms that have reliable water sources.