Matabeleland North Wheat Shows High Yield Potentia...

Matabeleland North Wheat Shows High Yield Potential

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

A wheat crop in Matabeleland North is showing strong signs of productivity despite the province’s semi-arid conditions, raising optimism about the region’s potential for non-traditional crop production.

Deputy Director for Agritex, Rutendo Nhongonhema, who recently toured the fields, said the crop had between 12 and 15 tillers per plant, an indicator of a promising yield.

“If we multiply the number of tillers by the length of the spike, we can see that this is a very good crop,” she said.

Although Matabeleland North is not traditionally known for wheat farming, Agritex officials noted that the crop can thrive if planting is done on time and adequate water is supplied.

Nhongonhema emphasized the importance of proper crop management.

“Planting at the right time and ensuring the crop receives enough moisture are critical for achieving such results,” she said.

The thriving crop is being hailed as a success story that could unlock opportunities for wheat production in semi-arid areas, potentially boosting national output if replicated across the province.