Zimbabwe Farmers Urged to Capitalize on Wheat Harvesting Residue for Livestock Feed

Strategic Insights -

Zimbabwe's farmers are being encouraged to utilize wheat harvesting residue as a valuable resource for livestock feed, particularly with the country poised to harvest over 600,000 tonnes of wheat from the planted 122,142 hectares. This surplus can be converted into hay and silage, providing a nutritious feed source for cattle and other livestock. Agricultural experts are working with farmers to educate them on optimal cutting and treatment techniques to maximize the nutritional value of this agricultural by-product.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe is set to harvest over 600,000 tonnes of wheat from 122,142 hectares, surpassing the initial national target of 120,000 hectares.
  • Wheat harvesting residue, including stalks and leaves, can be converted into hay and silage for livestock feed.
  • Agricultural experts are educating farmers to cut hay earlier to maximize nutritional value.
  • The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is promoting on-farm feed production (OFFP) to reduce over-reliance on pastures and increase supplementary feed for livestock.
  • Fodder and silage production is crucial for farmers due to climate change-induced unpredictability of pastures.
  • The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) is working with farmers to promote urea treatment of stover to increase protein content.
  • A livestock plan will be implemented in the 2025/26 summer season to increase cattle numbers, particularly after the El Nino-induced drought.
  • Farmers are being encouraged to grow fodder at smallholder level to prepare households to feed their livestock.

Statistics:

  • Zimbabwe is set to harvest over 600,000 tonnes of wheat from 122,142 hectares.
  • The initial national target for wheat planting was 120,000 hectares, but 122,142 hectares were actually planted.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe's flagship state newspaper, The Herald
  • Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development
  • Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS)