Online Reporter
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE 2025/26 cropping season is encouragingly positive for Matabeleland South Province, with experts saying both crops and livestock are in good condition following significant rains received across the country.
This comes after the 2024/2025 agriculture season witnessed significant milestones in wheat and tobacco production, which achieved record yields, contributing to positive economic growth prospects for the year.
Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, crucial for employment, food security and export generation, while it supports over 60-70 percent of the population and supplies vital raw materials to industry.
The sector contributes between 12 and 16 percent to the gross domestic product, making it one of the largest alongside mining, manufacturing and tourism.
Tobacco and wheat are the country’s largest commercial crops.
Tobacco deliveries reached 355 million kilogrammes in 2025 and generated over US$1,2 billion in export revenue, with the success attributed to sustained Government support.
Wheat production reached 639 942 tonnes, the highest-ever recorded since wheat farming started in 1966.
Farmers expect significant production growth, especially if challenges of high production costs are addressed.
