Wheat Harvesting Almost Done With Farmers Posting Record 457 993t

Farmers are describing 2023 as a great season where productivity is high compared to the previous year, attributing the good rainfall pattern as the major contributor in the production success. - File picture).

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

Harvesting of wheat is almost complete in all provinces with farmers expecting to enjoy the fruits of their hard work as they have so far produced 457 993 tonnes, surpassing a national target of 440 000. Farmers are describing 2023 as a great season where productivity is high compared to the previous year, attributing the good rainfall pattern as the major contributor in the production success. They are also expecting the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to expedite payments so that farmers fully embark in the production of the summer crop. More than 98 percent of the crop has so far been harvested across the country and four wheat growing provinces have so far completed harvesting. These include Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces. Statistics from Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) indicate that Mashonaland West is leading with 131 048 tonnes followed by Mashonaland East with 86 455 tonnes, Mashonaland Central (85 514 tonnes), Midlands (66 231) and Manicaland harvested 60 797 tonnes. This year’s wheat was planted on 90 998 hectares, giving the nation a higher yield than last year’s record. This harvest is well above the 375 000 tonnes achieved last season and the minimum of 360 000 tonnes needed for self-sufficiency. It is the highest record since wheat growing started in 1966. Currently the nation holds a national stock of around 140 000 tonnes from 81 000 hactares planted last season. ReadMore