01 Oct 2026

About 30 per cent of the winter wheat crop planted by farmers across Zimbabwe is now ready for harvest, with the Government deploying 293 combine harvesters to support farmers and accelerate the process.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said this on Wednesday during the national Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Wheat Field Day held at the Department of Research and Specialist Services in Harare.

He said the deployment of harvesting equipment was part of efforts to ensure the crop is harvested within the appropriate window and to minimise potential losses.

Zimbabwe recorded a strong winter wheat planting season, with farmers putting more than 126,000 hectares under the crop, exceeding the national target of 125,000 hectares. The achievement reflects continued efforts to expand wheat production and strengthen domestic food supplies.

"More than 30 percent of our wheat is now ready for harvest, and some farmers have already started harvesting. To prevent crop losses, we urge them to use commercial drying equipment.

"We have smart silos with robust drying capabilities, and farmers must take advantage of these facilities and harvest and dry as quickly as possible," Professor Jiri said.

He added that harvesting activity was expected to increase as temperatures rise, helping speed up the drying of the crop. Farmers are expected to complete the harvest before the end of October, provided weather conditions remain favorable.

Professor Jiri also highlighted that, through the TAAT initiative, the Ministry is supporting researchers in developing climate-smart wheat varieties capable of resisting diseases and withstanding increasingly high temperatures. The research is intended to strengthen the resilience of wheat production against changing climatic conditions.

He warned that the early rains received in some parts of the country this week could pose a threat to the winter wheat crop if wet conditions persist and the weather does not clear soon.

"Regions receiving more than 20 millimeters of rain over 24 hours for three straight days could run into serious trouble, and these rains are worrisome. Regions that regularly receive these rains and have sun breaks would not be of concern. That is why we are urging farmers to expedite the harvesting process," he said.

Turning to the 293 combine harvesters deployed across the country, Professor Jiri said the Government's swift intervention would significantly assist farmers in harvesting their crops within the required timeframe. The machinery is expected to help reduce delays and limit losses associated with crops remaining in the fields for too long.

The Government is targeting production of 662,500 tonnes of wheat this season, as it intensifies efforts to boost domestic production, reduce the country's dependence on imports, and strengthen national food security. The increased production target also comes as Zimbabwe seeks to build greater resilience in its agricultural sector. New Ziana