Farmers urged to finish wheat harvest before rains hit
Agricultural officials urged producers to accelerate winter wheat harvests before November to prevent crop deterioration from early-season precipitation. Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said farmers must continue gathering to finish before moisture triggers mold growth and mycotoxin contamination. Rain exposure causes kernel sprouting and discoloration, lowering flour grade and market value while delaying field operations.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union secretary general Paul Zakariya said late-planted fields face the greatest risk from storms that began across multiple regions. Wet grain needs additional drying, which reduces farmer profits and disrupts harvest schedules. The nation anticipates producing 600,000 tons from more than 120,000 planted hectares this season. Zimbabwe has maintained wheat self-sufficiency annually since 2021, with output covering nine months of domestic consumption requirements.
