Zimbabwe : Joint ventures boost winter wheat production as planting nears target
Zimbabwe has planted over 95,000 of its 125,000-hectare winter wheat target, with the remaining 30,000 hectares expected soon after maize harvests. Authorities expect full planting by June 15. Joint-venture farming, irrigation, and improved marketing are supporting production, strengthening food security amid drier 2026/27 season forecasts.
ZIMBABWE is on track to achieve its winter wheat planting target of 125 000 hectares, with more than 95 000 hectares having been put under the cereal, as successful joint venture farming arrangements continue to strengthen production capacity and support national food security.
The remaining 30 000 hectares are expected to be planted in the coming days, largely by farmers completing maize harvesting in parts of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Management Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said cooler-than-normal temperatures had delayed maize drying and harvesting, slowing the transition from summer cropping to winter wheat production.
Speaking during a tour of Madzorera Farm in Nyabira, Zvimba District, Prof Jiri said farmers were moving swiftly to establish wheat once maize harvesting was completed.
“We still have farmers harvesting maize, particularly in Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central. As soon as they finish harvesting, they are moving into wheat production,” he said.
Prof Jiri urged farmers planting outside the optimum planting window to adjust seed rates and fertiliser programmes to minimise yield losses.
“We do not expect planting to go beyond June 15 because after that, yields begin to decline significantly,” he said.
“Farmers who are still harvesting maize should transition into wheat production as expeditiously as possible.”
He noted that the winter wheat programme would play a critical role in safeguarding national food security, particularly amid forecasts of a drier-than-normal 2026/27 summer cropping season.
At Madzorera Farm, 54 hectares have already been put under wheat, comprising 46 hectares under centre-pivot irrigation and eight hectares under conventional sprinkler systems.
Farm manager Mr Givemore Hodzi said the farm had planted the AC Nduna wheat variety and was targeting yields of up to nine tonnes per hectare.
“We are targeting yields of up to nine tonnes per hectare if power supplies remain stable. The crop has established well and we are optimistic of a good season,” he said.
Mr Hodzi said improved electricity availability had supported production, although rising costs of fertiliser and diesel remained a challenge.
He added that increased participation by private grain buyers had improved marketing opportunities for farmers.
“The coming in of private buyers has helped improve marketing options for farmers and this has brought some relief,” he said.
The farm operates under a joint venture between landowner Mr Godfrey Madzorera and agricultural investor Mr Robert Hoey, a partnership that has enabled the sharing of irrigation infrastructure, machinery and technical expertise.
Mr Hodzi said the arrangement had significantly improved productivity and operational efficiency.
“We hold regular meetings where we discuss agronomic practices and share experiences. The partnership has been beneficial to both parties and is progressing very well,” he said.
Mr Hoey, who is involved in several agricultural partnerships in the area, said irrigation remained the cornerstone of successful winter cereal production.
“Water is king. We have just harvested maize from some of the land and achieved about eight tonnes per hectare before moving straight into wheat production,” he said.
Beyond Madzorera Farm, Mr Hoey’s joint venture operations cover about 210 hectares under irrigated wheat and barley production.
He said trust, cooperation and a shared vision for productivity were essential ingredients for successful farming partnerships.
“You need to work with people you trust and be prepared to learn from one another. There will always be challenges, but if both parties are committed, the partnership can achieve strong results,” he said.
As farmers intensify planting across the country, joint venture models are increasingly emerging as an important driver of agricultural productivity, helping maximise the use of land, irrigation infrastructure and technical expertise while contributing to Zimbabwe’s grain self-sufficiency ambitions.
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Source : The Herald
