Inputs setback for winter wheat

Farmers in Manicaland Province have not yet planted about 2 700 hectares under winter wheat due to unavailability of inputs, putting a damper on the prospects of a decent yield this year. This week, farmers were still planting despite the fact that the May 31 window for planting has passed.

Agronomists have since urged farmers to speed up planting as late planted wheat would be under threat from the early rains.

In an interview with The Herald, Manicaland Agritex crops and livestock officer Mr Cephas Mlambo said planting of wheat was still in progress as some farmers received some of the inputs recently.

“About 2 000 hectares have been planted to wheat so far, yet an average of 2 700 hectares of tilled land has not yet been planted due to late distribution of some inputs that include Compound D fertilisers,” said Mr Mlambo.

“The planting of wheat is still ongoing in four districts that include Makoni, Nyanga, Mutasa and Mutare. We are encouraging farmers to speed up planting and avoid losses as early rains affect late planted wheat.

“Farmers under Command Wheat programme also received inputs which include seeds and herbicides while those who are not registered were sponsoring themselves.”

At its peak, Manicaland used to grow winter wheat on about 9 000ha, with the Middle Sabi region alone accounting for almost 5 000ha.

Mr Mlambo indicated that about 80 percent of wheat had been planted in Makoni, while Mutare, Mutasa and Nyanga had a combined 20 percent.

“The bulk of our wheat is planted in Makoni district. We are aiming at reducing the import bill through growing more wheat,” he said.

Zimbabwe requires about 500 000 tonnes of wheat to ensure a steady supply of bread and other bakery products.