Farmers in Zimbabwe Urged to Accelerate Winter Wheat Planting Amid Early Cold Snap
Zimbabwe is gearing up for a productive winter season, with over 15,000 hectares already being cultivated for wheat. The government is encouraging farmers to pick up the pace on their planting activities, as the total target for the winter wheat crop is set at an ambitious 120,000 hectares.
Mr. Leonard Munamati, the acting chief director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), emphasized the importance of timely planting due to the early onset of winter and cooler temperatures. “We are experiencing lower-than-usual temperatures this year, and to optimize crop establishment, our wheat farmers need to expedite their planting efforts,” Munamati said. He made it clear that late planting could lead to increased risks and reduced yields.
According to the latest ARDAS report, significant land preparations and initial plantings are already underway, but Mr. Munamati warns that farmers should finish planting before the end of May to achieve the desired outcomes. He asserted, “This winter season requires swift action. We want to ensure that farmers are planting much earlier than in previous years.”
Interestingly, winter cropping in Zimbabwe isn’t limited to wheat; other essential crops like barley and Irish potatoes are also included in this plan. With these diverse agricultural activities, farmers are reminded of the value of timely planting across all crops, saying, “It is promising to see farmers also engaging in barley and Irish potatoes, contributing to the winter cropping strategy.”
On a positive note, the region of Mashonaland West is leading the way with ambitious potato production targets, aiming for 84,000 tonnes from a dedicated 3,000 hectares. Manicaland follows with a commendable target of 56,000 tonnes from 2,000 hectares.
Looking ahead, Mr. Munamati called for the rapid finalization of contracting arrangements under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority. He highlighted the vital role of accessible irrigation water in supporting the winter wheat crop.
“This positive momentum from our summer season lays a supportive foundation for our winter cropping efforts, but it hinges on farmers’ ability to swiftly respond to the prevailing conditions,” he concluded.
With these proactive measures, Zimbabwe appears set to harness its agricultural potential this winter, promising to make fruitful contributions to the nation’s food security and economy.
Stay tuned for more updates on agricultural developments across Zimbabwe and beyond!
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