Best practices for wheat harvesting

Word From The Market with Tina Nleya

AS the wheat harvesting season kicks into full gear in Zimbabwe, farmers should focus on maximising yields while minimising losses.

Wheat is a crucial crop for national food security. This year has shown promising results, thanks to coordinated efforts by the Government, contractors and farmers alike.

Zimbabwe is projected to harvest over 600 000 tonnes of wheat, as the Government actively took measures to mitigate effects of the El Niño-induced drought.

However, proper harvesting techniques, post-harvest management and Government interventions are key to ensuring Zimbabwe meets its wheat production targets this season.

 Harvest timing

The success of wheat harvesting begins with proper timing. The 2024/2025 summer season has been predicted to start with early onset of rains, as has been seen in some parts of the country. It is, therefore, critical that harvesting commences quickly.

The best time to harvest wheat is when the crop has reached physiological maturity, characterised by the hard, dry texture of the grain and a moisture content of about 12 percent to 14 percent.

Harvesting too early can result in low-quality grains with high moisture content, leading to spoilage, while harvesting too late increases the risk of shattering and grain loss. Farmers are encouraged to closely monitor their fields and consult agricultural experts or extension officers to ensure they harvest at the optimal time.

Timely harvesting will not only maximise yields but also improve the overall quality of grain, making it more competitive on the market.

 Best practices for harvesting

To minimise losses during wheat harvesting, farmers should use appropriate harvesting equipment, such as combine harvesters, which ensure efficient cutting and threshing of the wheat crop.

For small-scale farmers, who may not have access to modern machinery, community pooling of resources or Government-provided machinery services can be effective alternatives.

After harvesting, it is essential to handle the wheat carefully to avoid unnecessary losses. Threshing should be done on clean surfaces to prevent contamination, and grains should be properly dried to avoid moisture-related issues, such as mould and rot. Adequate post-harvest storage is critical. Farmers should store wheat in well-ventilated dry facilities that are protected from pests and rodents.

Ensuring the moisture content is below 13 percent before storage will help preserve the grain’s quality and avoid spoilage.

 The role of AMA in wheat production

This year, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) played a crucial role in enhancing wheat production across Zimbabwe. A total of 12 registered contractors were involved in wheat farming, ensuring structured and well-managed production.

AMA created a comprehensive database of wheat farmers to reduce cases of side-marketing, ensuring that wheat remains within the formal marketing channels, ultimately benefitting both farmers and the economy.

To date, 83 859 kilogrammes of wheat have already been sold to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and private contractors, which is a significant increase compared to the 53 669kgs recorded at this time last year. This improvement is a testament to the successful coordination between farmers, contractors and AMA in driving productivity and curbing market leakages.

 Government support in harvesting

The Government has implemented several measures to support wheat harvesting and prevent post-harvest losses.

Through AFC Holdings and private sector players, grain dryers have been dispatched to wheat production clusters across the country to ensure a quick harvest and drying of the high moisture content in wheat.

AFC has also been deployed to provide tillage services in the form of combine harvesters at an affordable price.This will help farmers quickly harvest their wheat before the rainy season fully kicks in.

To further aid in reducing losses, the Government has expanded silos for wheat storage. By investing in these infrastructures, the Government ensures that farmers have adequate storage space for their produce, reducing the risk of spoilage before it reaches the market.

Additionally, through the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme, the Government has provided subsidised inputs and technical assistance to wheat farmers, encouraging high productivity and helping farmers meet the growing demand for wheat in Zimbabwe.

The importance of market linkages

Efficient market linkages are vital in reducing post-harvest losses and improving profitability for farmers.

AMA has been instrumental in facilitating connections between wheat farmers and buyers such as GMB and millers.

With stronger market linkages, farmers can reduce the time their crops spend in storage and get better prices for their produce. The establishment of formal marketing structures for wheat is a key strategy to avoid flooding the market and price collapses, which often lead to financial losses for farmers.

By linking wheat farmers directly to institutional buyers, AMA ensures that wheat is sold at competitive prices and on time, further reducing the likelihood of post-harvest losses.

Farmers are encouraged to register with AMA, which can be done through the authority’s website, to benefit from market linkages.

With proper timing, careful post-harvest management and continued Government and institutional support, Zimbabwe’s wheat sector can achieve even greater heights. Farmers are encouraged to adopt best practices for harvesting, utilise available Government resources and work closely with AMA to secure their yields to maximise profits.

As we look towards the end of the wheat season, let us focus on maintaining high standards of harvesting and storage to ensure Zimbabwe’s food security and economic prosperity.

Together, we can continue to grow and strengthen our nation’s wheat production.

Tina Nleya is the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA)’s marketing and public relations manager. She can be contacted on email: tnleya@ama.co.zw. Word From The Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production.