Tiyani Hahlani
Masvingio- Farmers have been urged to accelerate harvesting of summer crops amid growing concern that delays could trigger post-harvest losses and disrupt preparations for the 2026 winter wheat season.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Chief Director, Medlinah Magwenzi, warned that failure to harvest on time exposes grain to moisture damage, pests and rot, compromising both quality and yields.
“Delays at this stage can result in significant losses. Farmers must move quickly to secure their crop and protect its value,” she said.
The warning comes as parts of the country continue to experience intermittent rains and high humidity, conditions that increase the risk of grain spoilage if crops remain in the field for extended periods.
To minimise losses, farmers have been encouraged to utilise Grain Marketing Board (GMB) drying facilities where moisture levels are high. Authorities say timely drying is critical to maintaining grain quality and market standards.
She also stressed that delayed harvesting could disrupt the broader grain supply chain by slowing deliveries to GMB depots and affecting downstream industries such as milling and stockfeed production.
“We have realized that harvesting is delaying and at the same time it is progressing at a slow pace, and we know the attributes, and one of them is fuel hikes, moisture content, excessive rains, and wet grounds, and we know the field is not dry enough, and we advise that you harvest when the moisture is conducive,” says Magwenzi
More urgently, late harvesting is expected to compress the narrow winter wheat planting window, which runs from April 23 to May 30. Agricultural experts warn that planting beyond this period, particularly into June, leads to reduced yields due to suboptimal growing conditions.
She also urged farmers to begin land preparation immediately after harvesting and to plant within the recommended timeframe.
“To you farmers, when you harvest your summer crops, please prepare your land immediately and make sure you transition smoothly into the winter production because winter wheat is upon us,” says Magwenzi.
Inputs under the Presidential Input Programme are already available at GMB depots, and farmers have been advised to register promptly with the Agricultural Marketing Authority, contractors, and Agricultural Business Advisory Officers to avoid delays.
The government is targeting improved wheat productivity this season, encouraging farmers to surpass the national average yield of 5.3 tonnes per hectare and aim for up to 9 tonnes per hectare with proper management.
Zimbabwe’s wheat crop has played a key role in sustaining national food supplies in recent drought-affected years, reducing reliance on imports.
