Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
ZIMBABWE is poised to record a significant strategic grain surplus of between 550 945 and 964 945 metric tonnes this season, a development that has strengthened national food security and improved the country’s preparedness against future climate-induced shocks, including the looming threat of a Super El Niño-induced drought.
The projected surplus, underpinned by a bumper harvest and growing grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), has given Government a stronger buffer against food shortages while reinforcing efforts to build resilient strategic reserves.
The development comes after Cabinet yesterday approved the 2026/2027 Summer Crops, Horticulture, Fisheries and Livestock Production Plan aimed at safeguarding food security in the face of an estimated 80 percent probability of a Super El Niño drought and rising production costs.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the plan, presented by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga in his capacity as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition, had been adopted.
Dr Soda said the programme is intended to ensure sustained food availability despite what Cabinet described as “unprecedented compound pressures”.
“The 2026/2027 Summer Production Plan seeks to guarantee national food security against the backdrop of unprecedented compound pressures including the 80 percent probability of a Super El Nino-induced drought and heightened fuel and fertiliser prices,” said Minister Soda.
He said Cabinet had approved a broad range of interventions designed to strengthen strategic grain reserves, improve climate resilience and enhance overall agricultural productivity.
Among the key measures is the enhancement of the Strategic Grain Reserve system through improved procurement, storage and distribution mechanisms.
The interventions include the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered silo management systems to optimise grain handling and stock monitoring.
Cabinet also resolved to accelerate climate-smart agriculture initiatives, focusing on the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, strengthening agro-ecological planning and improving targeting under the Presidential Inputs Programme.
“The plan includes the use of the new Artificial Intelligence powered-silos for enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve through strategic purchases,” he said.
Government will also strengthen early warning and advisory systems to improve preparedness and response to climate-related shocks, while expanding farmer education and extension services to boost productivity at grassroots level.
In addition, the Sable Chemicals ammonium plant project will be expedited to improve fertiliser availability, while the Africa Risk Capacity sovereign insurance facility will be activated to cushion the country against drought-related losses.
Cabinet further approved measures to facilitate the duty-free importation of fertiliser to ensure timely availability and affordability ahead of the planting season.
Minister Soda said the plan reflects Government’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate variability and sustaining national food security.
The approval comes as meteorological forecasts continue to warn of an increased drought risk in the coming season, prompting Government to intensify preparedness and mitigation measures across all agricultural sub-sectors.
The food security plan was approved after Cabinet considered an update on the 2025/2026 Summer Crops Marketing and 2026 Winter Production Plan presented by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka.
Minister Soda said findings from the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report indicate that the country is expecting a strategic grain reserve surplus of between 550 945 metric tonnes and 964 945 metric tonnes.
Government grain stocks held by the GMB stood at 156 603 tonnes as of June 3.
“Additionally, GMB also holds a total of 70 865.60 tonnes, being third-party grain stocks since the completion of the AI-powered silos and subsequent offer of commercial storage services directly or through the Warehouse Receipt System.
“A total of 1 928 505 hectares under maize has been harvested to date, with a volume of 2 824 110 metric tonnes. A total of 528 076 hectares of sorghum has been harvested to date, yielding 323 002 metric tonnes,” he said.
Minister Soda added that 56 562 hectares under soyabean had been harvested, producing 119 067 tonnes.
As of June 3, a total of 127 214 tonnes of crops comprising maize, soyabean, sorghum and sunflower had been formally marketed, compared to 78 265 tonnes during the same period last year.
Minister Soda said this represents a 63 percent increase in marketed crops.
As of May 20, GMB had settled 100 percent of its United States dollar obligations and 82,73 percent of ZiG payments, with ZiG50 192 313.52 still outstanding.
“Transporters are still owed ZiG192 000 000.00 from 2025,” said Minister Soda.
Turning to tobacco production, he revealed that 309,795 million kilogrammes had been sold to date at an average price of US$2,51 per kg.
“This reflects a 14 percent increase in volume and a 25 percent decrease in the average price, compared to the previous seasons. Tobacco production has been on an upward trend since 2010.
“However, the average price has fluctuated over the years. Tobacco exports remain firm, with cumulative tobacco exports as at 4th June, 2026 reaching 102,50 million kg valued at US$642,61 million at an average price of US$6,27 per kg,” he said.
Sesame marketing has also begun, with merchants offering producer prices ranging from US$0,60 per kg to US$1 per kg.
To date, 17 buyers have been registered.
Minister Soda said Government is pursuing the Zimbabwe-China Protocol for Sesame to enable direct exports of the high-value crop to China.
Regarding wheat production, the targeted hectarage is 125 000 hectares, of which 113 503 hectares had been planted by June 3, translating to 91 percent of the target. Barley production remains focused on supplying the brewing industry, with 7 000 hectares contracted.
Minister Soda also said Zimbabwe expects to produce 243 850 tonnes of Irish potatoes from the 9 000 hectares planted.
To date, 92 400 tonnes have been produced from 3 300 hectares at an average yield of 28 tonnes per hectare, compared to 26 tonnes recorded last year.
