Farmers harvest 2,7m tonnes of maize

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

FARMERS have so far harvested 2 716 045 tonnes of maize, a major milestone that has secured the country’s grain requirements and strengthened prospects for national food security following a successful 2025-26 agricultural season.

The bumper harvest, achieved across the country’s major grain-producing provinces, comes as harvesting nears completion, with farmers having reaped 1 818 148 hectares, representing 96 percent of the total maize area.

The maize output marks a major recovery from previous drought-affected seasons and underscores the impact of Government-supported agricultural programmes, improved access to inputs and favourable production conditions experienced during the season.

Latest figures from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) show that Mashonaland West led the country in maize production, delivering 1 145 878 tonnes, while Mashonaland Central contributed 552 695 tonnes.

Manicaland produced 239 730 tonnes, followed by Mashonaland East with 225 921 tonnes. The Midlands harvested 180 407 tonnes, Masvingo 176 389 tonnes, Matabeleland North 111 437 tonnes, and Matabeleland South 83 587 tonnes.

The harvest has left most provinces with adequate stocks, improving food availability at both household and national levels while creating opportunities for strategic grain reserves.

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Management Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the harvest reflected positive outcomes from efforts to boost agricultural production and climate resilience.