Govt promotes wheat production in Middle Sabi
GOVERNMENT is working round the clock to revamp and rehabilitate several irrigation infrastructure in Manicaland, in a positive development set to position the province to its past glory as the bastion of high quality winter wheat production.
This came as preparations for the 2024 winter wheat season have started, with over 300 hectares having already been planted in the province, while a sizeable hectarage has since been prepared in the major cereal-producing districts in Manicaland.
Manicaland is targeting to surpass 13 000 hectares to contribute to the 120 000 national target, with farmers also being urged to ameliorate their planting within the prescribed window period to ensure optimal yields.
Government has put in place all measures and resources to ensure a successful wheat production season.
The wheat planting window period stretches from May 1 to 31, depending on altitude. For low veld, it is recommended that farmers plant from May 1 to 10; middle veld from May 1 to 15 and the high veld from May 1 to 31, to ensure a good yield.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said Government is working tirelessly to address challenges being faced by wheat farmers in the province, with special focus on the Middle Sabi bloc, which used to be the hub of wheat production in Manicaland.
He was addressing farmers at Chusumbanje in Middle Sabi last Saturday, which at its peak used to record an excess of 5 000ha.
“We are encouraging all farmers with access to irrigation to put their best foot forward. Here in Middle Sabi, they can do a massive 6 000ha because it is a region known for producing the best quality wheat in Zimbabwe, and as such, we need to make sure that this area regains its previous status as the bastion of wheat production. This requires determination, which we know our farmers possess. “Government has now put all systems in place from fuel, affordable irrigation water, fertilisers and electricity. All these inputs are in place to ensure successful wheat production. We are encouraging all former, aspiring and current wheat farmers to ensure that every inch of irrigable land is put to this noble use this season to ensure food security.
“We have instructed ZINWA (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) to do seasonal billing on water used by farmers, and no monthly interests will be billed on overdue accounts. Fuel sold in the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency will be availed to wheat farmers through Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA). In Middle Sabi, the Department of Mechanisation is attending to all derelict pumps and other infrastructure that is now inefficient.
“We want to take Middle Sabi back to its glory days of being the bastion of wheat production in Manicaland. The greenbelt must return,” said Professor Jiri.
He said Treasury has released funds to clear what is owed to farmers for the cereal crop delivered to the Grain Marketing Board last season. ZESA board chairman, Dr Sydney Gata said the power utility has ring fenced adequate electricity to ensure uninterrupted power supply to wheat farmers this season.
This comes as Zimbabwe is steadily increasing its power generation capacity spurred by
the recovery of the Kariba Hydro-Power Station and the recent successful synchronisation of the Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 expansion.
ZESA officials are meeting officials from the Agriculture Ministry and farmer representatives for planning purposes.
Wheat is a winter crop that is highly sensitive to moisture deficits, especially during the critical phases of heading, flowering and early grain-fill.This means it has to be grown under uninterrupted irrigation, which makes availability of water and electricity key inputs.
“ZESA has started a programme to support farmers by providing affordable electricity and operations that do not inhibit irrigation. At national level there is a committee on winter wheat that meets on weekly basis and we are part of it. I witnessed the development of Middle Sabi estates in the early 70s when this massive irrigation scheme was started. It is a complex operation that we can revive to become the pride of the nation. Farmers here need Government support to restart the estates, and I know it can be done,” said Dr Gata. Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Honourable Angeline Gata who is also the Member of Parliament for Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency, said production of wheat and cotton is the mainstay of Middle Sabi economy, and given maximum support, the farmers are raring to go.
“We appreciate Government’ efforts to revive irrigation schemes in Middle Sabi, and farmers are ready to roll. This interaction between Government and farmers will bring the desirable results. Irrigation schemes are key to ensure food security because they operate all year round, and in this region wheat and cotton are prime crops that define the locals’ livelihoods,” she said.
Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairman, Mr Thomas Sakuhuni implored Government to provide the modern centre pivot irrigation systems on credit to allow farmers to pay at the end of the selling season.
He said GMB and Cottco should pay farmers on time. “They should prioritise paying farmers who deliver to GMB and Cottco on time to keep them motivated and allow them adequate time to prepare for the next crop. We need the latest irrigation technology like centre pivots for wheat production, and we propose that Government avails a credit facility that allows us to pay at the end of the selling season,” he said.