Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
Government has launched an ambitious winter cropping programme aimed at strengthening national food security, targeting nearly one million tonnes of cereal and potato output during the current season.
The plan will see about 140 500 hectares put under production, with wheat accounting for the bulk at 125 000 hectares, expected to yield 662 500 tonnes.
Barley will be grown on 6 500 hectares, with projected output of 45 500 tonnes, while Irish potatoes will cover 9 000 hectares, targeting an estimated harvest of 243 850 tonnes.
Addressing a post‑Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda described the programme as a key pillar of Government’s strategy to ensure adequate food supplies and stabilise the agricultural sector.
“The Winter Cereals Plan is targeting the planting of 140 500 hectares of wheat, barley and Irish potatoes to produce an estimated 956 350 tonnes.
“The winter wheat target is 125 000 hectares, expected to yield about 662 500 tonnes.
“The target for barley remains at 6 500 hectares, while Irish potatoes are targeted at 9 000 hectares, with an estimated total production of 243 850 tonnes,” he said.
The 2026 winter cropping programme falls under the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 and aligns with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seeks to accelerate agricultural growth and rural development.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also received an update on the 2025/2026 summer cropping season, with total cereal production — including maize, sorghum and traditional grains — estimated at 2,7 million tonnes.
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is expected to play a central role in handling the increased output.
Current grain stocks stand at 158 853 tonnes, while payments to farmers are nearing completion, with more than 88 percent of United States dollar obligations and over 82 percent of ZiG payments already settled.
