Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
TOBACCO sales and wheat planting have recorded significant growth this year, surpassing both last season’s performance and Government targets, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Presenting this week’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said 354.8 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been sold so far this season, compared to 231.8 million kilogrammes during the same period last year.
Cotton sales have also doubled, reaching 28.2 million kilogrammes, up from 13.5 million kilogrammes in 2024.
On winter crops, Dr Muswere said farmers have already planted 122 566 hectares of wheat against a target of 120 000 hectares, marking a key milestone in efforts to boost national food security.
He said the current grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stands at 135 896 tonnes, including 70 666 tonnes of wheat, with the remainder comprising maize, traditional grains and Genetically Modified Maize imports.
“In terms of crops marketed as of September 2, 2025, the GMB has 8,3 percent of the intake, compared to the 12,7 percent recorded over the same period in 2024,” he said.
“Total marketed grain is 840 562 tonnes.
“Cabinet highlights that a total of 354,8 million kg of tobacco have been sold so far, compared to the 231,8 million kg sold over the same period in 2024.
“Regarding cotton, 28 205 407kg have been sold compared to 13 551 021kg recorded over the same period in 2024.
“The nation is also advised that a total of 122 566 hectares of wheat have been planted against the target of 120 000 hectares.”
To safeguard crops, particularly wheat, the government has mobilised resources to counter potential quelea bird outbreaks.
District-level rapid response teams equipped with manpower, vehicles, sprayers and chemicals have been activated to deal with any incidents, he added.
