Harare: The Zimbabwe government has extended the national winter wheat planting deadline to June 15, giving farmers additional time to complete operations as the country moves to boost production and meet its target of putting 125,000 hectares under the crop this season.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the extension follows strong progress in the winter cropping program, with 91,367 hectares already planted, representing 73 percent of the national target by the close of the initial planting window. Chief Director in the Department of Agricultural Development and Advisory Services (ADAS), Medlinah Magwenzi, said the decision was informed by delays in harvesting summer crops after an exceptionally wet agricultural season, which slowed land preparation and the transition to winter wheat production in some areas.
She stated that the additional planting period would enable more farmers to participate in the program and maximise hectarage while contributing to national grain production targets. Magwenzi urged farmers taking advantage of the extended window to adhere to recommended agronomic practices for late planting, including adjusting seed rates, fertiliser application, and irrigation schedules to minimise yield losses and maintain productivity.
She noted that favourable soil moisture levels, cooler temperatures, adequate irrigation water supplies, availability of inputs, and continued technical support from extension officers were creating conducive conditions for a successful wheat season. "The extension provides an opportunity for farmers who were delayed by the late harvesting of summer crops to complete planting and contribute to the national wheat program," she said.
The country has in recent years prioritised wheat production as part of broader efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports. Zimbabwe attained wheat self-sufficiency in recent seasons following record harvests driven by increased irrigation development, improved access to inputs, and enhanced support to farmers under various government and private sector initiatives.
For the 2026 winter season, the government set a target of 125,000 hectares of wheat, building on gains recorded in previous years. The crop remains strategically important as wheat is a key raw material for bread, flour, and other food products consumed across the country.
Experts have noted that planting within the recommended period was critical for achieving optimum yields, as delayed planting can expose crops to higher temperatures during grain filling, potentially affecting productivity. However, with proper management practices and favourable weather conditions, farmers planting during the extended period can still realise good yields.