Mashonaland West Tops Wheat Production, Driving Zimbabwe Toward Food Self-Sufficiency

Wheat Farmers Harvesting

Reporter

Mashonaland West province has emerged as the top region in Zimbabwe for wheat production, with 35,000 hectares dedicated to the crop out of a national total of 120,007ha.

This significant achievement marks a record in wheat hectarage, with expectations of producing over 600,000 tonnes, signaling a move toward self-sufficiency in wheat production. The province is recognised as the country’s major contributor of agricultural produce due to its favorable weather patterns and rich soils. In recent cropping seasons, Mashonaland West has consistently surpassed its targets and was also named the best in the climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme.

A weekly update from the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) revealed that the province has exceeded its target of 34,000ha. Statistics show that of the 121,000ha of wheat planted nationwide, Mashonaland West has planted 100 percent of its target. In comparison, Mashonaland Central follows with 27,874ha, exceeding its target of 27,000 hectares at 103 percent. Mashonaland East has planted 22,866ha, surpassing its target of 22,500ha at 102 percent. Other provinces, such as Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, have also shown commendable performance, with each exceeding or nearing their respective targets. Mashonaland West continues to be the anchor of the country’s agricultural revolution. Farmers in the area have become torchbearers in various farming disciplines, striving to reposition Zimbabwe as a breadbasket.

This progress is expected to reduce or eliminate the food import bill, with the ultimate goal of maintaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030, in line with the National Development Strategy 1.

The province has proved to be the engine of agricultural production for various crops, including wheat, maize, tobacco, and cotton. Thanks to its favorable climate, numerous dams, and large silos in Banket and Lions Den, farmers in Mashonaland West have demonstrated their capacity to excel. This season, they are expected to produce over 600,000 tonnes of wheat, significantly above the annual target of 360,000 tonnes. The focus is now on implementing good agronomic practices to maximise productivity, supported by Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Zimbabwe is optimistic that this year’s winter wheat production will enhance food security, following various Government interventions and private sector engagement aimed at achieving a record harvest. The wheat crop benefits from support through private contractors, the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), presidential wheat support, and self-financed growers.

For the past four seasons, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia have been the only two countries in Africa that have achieved wheat self-sufficiency.

In a recent interview, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers' Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe expressed optimism about the commitment shown by farmers. “The commitment shown by farmers is good. They should maintain good agronomic practices so that they produce over five tonnes per ha in order to meet a target of 600,000 tonnes,” he said.

He said that a holistic approach is needed to ensure that the target is met, warning that failure to do so will hinder productivity levels. “Fire guards should be established. Getting advice from extension workers is also key. Farmers should be on the lookout for quelea birds,” he advised.

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services acting director Leonard Munamati underscored the importance of good agronomic practices in unlocking the country's agricultural potential. “Good agronomic practices are the only ways to increase productivity. It is important to employ good agronomic practices to any cropping venture to unlock the value,” he said. Statistics from the ministry indicate that water resources will be sufficient for irrigation this season. Large dams have the capacity to irrigate 82,800ha, with on-farm dams capable of irrigating 25,600ha, rivers 9,800ha, boreholes 10,800ha, and vleis 1,000ha, totaling an impressive 120,000ha. Through collective efforts in wheat production, Zimbabwe aims to enhance its food security and ensure a sustainable agricultural future for the nation.