Planting of winter wheat in the country starts in earnest on the 1st of May 2025

Government has started ring fencing power and water resources needed for the season as well as the distribution of inputs to farmers.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Professor Obert Jiri highlighted that early planting is important so as to maximise on yields.

“We are tracking on the key enablers for a successful winter wheat production which include power availability and water availability.”

He added that about one hundred and twenty thousand hectares will be put under irrigation this season.

“We are looking at a much better winter production this year around, this comes on the bases of abundant water.

“Last year if you remember there was Elnino induced drought and it was an emotional response hence we went out with very little water resources.”

Winter wheat is a temperate crop that thrives in cooler temperatures and is often grown in winter, under irrigation, for the best yields. In Zimbabwe it is a crucial crop, with the government targeting large areas for cultivation to boost food security and reduce imports.