Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 winter cropping season are underway across the country, with the Government targeting 140 500 hectares under wheat, barley and Irish potatoes to yield an estimated 956 350 tonnes.
The programme forms a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s drive towards food self-sufficiency and import substitution, particularly for wheat, a strategic crop for national food security and the baking industry.
Under the plan, wheat will take up 125 000 hectares with a projected output of 662 500 tonnes while barley is targeted at 6 500 hectares and Irish potatoes at 9 000 hectares, with a combined expected output of 243 850 tonnes.
In Matabeleland South Province, preparations are already underway, with farmers mobilising to meet a provincial target of 4 500 hectares under wheat.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services provincial director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said land preparation is progressing well ahead of the planting window, which opens in early May.
“Preparations for this year’s winter wheat are in progress and farmers in the province will start planting in the first week of May so that we do not compromise yields. Our target is 4 500 hectares and farmers are busy with land preparations, with Agricultural Rural Development Authority estates such as Antelope playing a key role,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda said GMB has already started distributing inputs in preparation for the season.
She said about 80 percent of the targeted land has already been identified.
Matabeleland North provincial agronomist, Ms Zenzele Ndlovu said their target for the province is to plant 3 000 hectares
“Planting has already commenced and input distribution is in progress. However, we have some farmers who are yet to harvest their maize crop to pave way for wheat planting,” she said
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, who is also a wheat farmer in Umguza District, said he has set aside 30 hectares for the crop.
“Most farmers have started land preparations for winter wheat and I am one of them. I have set aside 30 hectares and everything is on course,” he said.
Minister Moyo commended Government support programmes, particularly the Presidential Inputs Scheme, which he said is enabling farmers to fully utilise their land despite resource constraints.
The winter cropping programme is anchored on the Agriculture and Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), a blueprint aimed at modernising agriculture, boosting productivity and strengthening resilience. President Mnangagwa unveiled AFSRTS 2 during the commissioning of an Artificial Intelligence-powered Grain Marketing Board silo complex in Mutare last October.
In his post Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said all systems are in place for a successful season.
“Winter Cereals Plan is targeting to plant 140 500 hectares of wheat, barley and Irish potatoes to produce to an estimated 956 350 tonnes. The Winter wheat proposed target is 125 000 hectares to produce an estimated 662 500 tonnes.
“The target for barley remains 6 500 hectares while Irish potato target is 9 000 hectares and an estimated total production of 243 850 tonnes,” he said.
Dr Soda said the winter programme builds on a strong 2025/2026 summer season, which is projected to deliver a bumper harvest and a surplus in national grain reserves.
He noted that cereal production for the summer season is estimated at 2,74 million tonnes, covering maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, while maize output is expected to rise to 2,35 million tonnes.
As part of efforts to consolidate food security gains, GMB is expected to receive over 180 000 tonnes of grain for the Strategic Grain Reserve from Arda and communal farmers.
Zimbabwe holds a buffer stock of about 150 000 tonnes, with additional deliveries expected to further stabilise supplies and prices.
The GMB is also introducing in-transit grain storage facilities to modernise logistics, enhance imports and improve supply chain efficiency.
Government support through various Presidential Schemes, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa and other targeted programmes, continues to underpin agricultural growth, improve rural livelihoods and strengthen national food systems.
“During the 2025/2026 marketing season, GMB expects to receive 183 122 tonnes of grain for the strategic grain reserve from ARDA and a substantial intake from communal farmers.
“GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points nationwide and 89 depots and storing grain on behalf of clients, thereby providing a convenient and cost-effective solution,” said Dr Soda.
Minister Soda said as at day 34, a total of 149,9 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$2,65/kg.
He added that Government continues to monitor prices to ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce while also settling outstanding payments.
“As of 23 April 2026, tobacco exports had reached 83 million kilogrammes valued at US$545 million, reflecting a 66 percent increase in export volume. As at 24 April 2026, GMB had settled 88,26 percent of United States dollar obligations and 82,73 percent of ZiG payments, with US$ 4 309 966,02 and ZiG 61 864 791, 66 still outstanding,” said Minister Soda.
The proposed 2025/2026 summer crops marketing arrangements involve farmers financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), self-financed farmers, National Enhanced Agricultural Production Scheme financed farmers supported by AFC and CBZ, farmers financed by private contractors and those financed by ARDA.
