Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is targeting to have 600 000-tonnes in its strategic grain reserve by October 2027 as Government steps up food security preparations ahead of an anticipated El Niño-induced drought during the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
The country holds 365 688 tonnes of strategic grain reserves and wants to increase this to 600 000 tonnes as Government moves to strengthen national capacity to withstand drought.
The Government is banking on modern artificial intelligence-powered grain storage facilities, increased irrigation, climate-smart farming and community-based drought mitigation programmes to safeguard food supplies and reduce the impact of the anticipated El Nino-induced drought.
In its latest seasonal outlook, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast predominantly below-normal rainfall across the country during the October-December period, with the dry conditions expected to persist into January-March 2027.
The southern and western parts of the country are expected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall, while the rest of the country faces a predominantly below-normal rainfall outlook.
In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Government was leveraging modern grain storage infrastructure to build a dedicated strategic reserve capable of cushioning the country against future droughts.
“Government, under the Enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve Pillar, is leveraging the new artificial intelligence-powered silos to build a dedicated 600 000 tonnes Grain Reserve by October 2027. As at 9 November 2026, the Grain Marketing Board held a total of 365 688 tonnes in its Strategic Grain Reserves,” he said.
The expansion of storage infrastructure includes the AI-powered silos commissioned at Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots in Kwekwe and Mutare while additional facilities are being developed in Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane, Gokwe, Masvingo and Timber Mills.
The Kwekwe facility was commissioned by President Mnangagwa in May last year as part of the Second Republic’s drive to modernise grain storage and improve the country’s capacity to preserve harvests.
Dr Soda said the Agricultural Rural Development Agency (ARDA), which is the country’s food security agent, had contributed more than 90 percent of the strategic grain reserve intake.
The Government is also mobilising grain through the Presidential Gratitude Grain Collection initiative, under which households contribute 10 kilogrammes of grain after their harvest each year.
The initiative has so far mobilised 8 678 tonnes, representing a 19 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
On planting preparedness, Dr Soda said 14 971 621 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots had been prepared as Government intensifies efforts to promote climate-smart farming and improve household food security.
The conservation agriculture programme encourages farmers to maximise production on small pieces of land through improved soil management, moisture conservation and efficient use of agricultural inputs.
Government has also established 914 ward drought mitigation centres out of the country’s 1 527 rural wards, while irrigation development has reached 308 969 hectares.
Of the irrigable land, 119 068 hectares have been earmarked for maize production during this coming summer cropping season.
Dr Soda said the Government was continuing to prioritise soil health improvement initiatives supported by a newly developed soil fertility map to guide agricultural productivity interventions.
Minister Soda said Zimbabwe has recorded a record winter wheat harvest of 676 473 tonnes, providing an important addition to national grain supplies.
A total of 130 316 hectares were planted during the 2026 winter season, with 129 860 hectares having been harvested by November 9, representing an average yield of 5,2 tonnes per hectare.
Under the Livestock Drought Mitigation Pillar, the Government is also putting measures in place to protect cattle populations from the anticipated effects of prolonged dry conditions.
Dr Soda said 2 248 498 cattle, representing 38,9 percent of the national herd of 5 750 439, were considered to be at risk from drought.
The Presidential Poultry and Goat Schemes are also continuing as pass-on initiatives aimed at strengthening household livelihoods and diversifying rural incomes.
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Since their introduction, 3 543 705 chicks and 6 897 goats have been distributed under the programmes.
Minister Soda said Government was strengthening early warning systems, improving communication with farmers and traditional leaders and enhancing farmer training and agricultural extension services to ensure communities were better prepared for the anticipated climate challenges.
The measures dovetail with the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen national food security, protect agricultural production and build resilience against climate-related shocks.
