Listen Ndlovu
Senators in Zimbabwe’s upper house sounded the alarm over the nation’s wheat farming preparedness amid growing fears of untimely rainfall, sparking urgent calls for a clearly defined and proactive government strategy to safeguard this crucial agricultural sector.
As the Senate convened for its 51st sitting of the 34th Parliament session yesterday, the spotlight turned sharply onto the government’s readiness for the 2025 wheat farming season. Hon. Senator Nyathi raised a critical question directed at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, inquiring whether the government was adequately prepared to support wheat farmers, many of whom had begun planting using last year’s seed stock due to fears of rainfall disruption.
“How prepared is the Government with regard to wheat farming? Right now, most wheat farmers are planting their wheat from last year because they are afraid that it is going to be affected by rains,” queried Hon. Senator Nyathi, raising the urgency of the issue.
However, no representative from the ministry was present in the chamber to address the query. The Deputy President of the Senate acknowledged the concern but noted the absence of both the minister and his two deputies. “The Minister and his two deputies are not here. I do not know whether any one of you Ministers would like to answer that question. I do not think they want to do so,” he said, reflecting a frustrating pattern of ministerial absenteeism that has been increasingly criticized by lawmakers.
The silence from the relevant ministry sparked concerns among Senators that the country could be caught flat-footed in responding to agricultural challenges posed by unpredictable climate patterns. With wheat forming a strategic pillar in Zimbabwe’s food security and economic strategy, any delays or missteps in supporting wheat production could have nationwide repercussions.
This concern comes at a time when weather unpredictability—particularly unseasonal rainfall—has already led many farmers to proceed with planting prematurely. The lack of clear guidance or support from the government may further compound risks to yields and national grain reserves.
The demand for a concrete government strategy was not the only frustration aired during the session. Several senators criticized the chronic absence of ministers during critical sessions, noting that the Agriculture Ministry in particular has been notably absent despite its centrality to urgent national issues.
“This is not sustainable. Some of these Ministers have never been here actually,” lamented the Deputy President of the Senate earlier in the session, highlighting the erosion of ministerial accountability in Parliament.
Senators insisted that beyond physical presence, ministries must come forward with specific, actionable plans to mitigate rainfall-related risks to wheat farming. They called for better communication with farmers, provision of timely inputs, and increased investment in climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure.
Experts agree that wheat production in Zimbabwe remains vulnerable to climatic shocks, and a proactive strategy is essential. The absence of policy clarity could mean a setback in achieving food self-sufficiency targets under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The Senate proceedings made it clear: in the absence of timely action, the window to safeguard this year’s wheat harvest is rapidly closing.
As the Senate adjourned, the question of wheat preparedness hung unanswered—an ominous signal to the agricultural community awaiting direction.
The Senate has now referred the question back to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, demanding a formal, written response. The pressure is mounting on the government to respond decisively—and fast.
