Masvingo Wheat Surge Faces Hurdles in Affordable Food Security Gains

Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe has exceeded its winter wheat planting target of 5,000 hectares, according to authorities. The achievement is seen as a major boost to the country's food security ambitions.

However, farmers continue to grapple with production costs, irrigation challenges, and threats from pests, raising questions about whether increased hectarage will translate into affordable bread and other wheat-based products for ordinary Zimbabweans.

Professor Dr Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, urged farmers to maintain sound agronomic practices as the crop enters sensitive stages of development. He also warned about potential attacks by quelea birds, which can cause significant damage to cereal crops if not controlled.

The provincial development was highlighted during a tour of wheat-producing farms this week. At Cresta of Ibeka Farm, owned by Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra R. Chadzamira, a 40-hectare wheat crop is reportedly performing well despite relying on borehole irrigation.