Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is exploring the cultivation of hard wheat after local firms made a breakthrough in developing seed varieties suitable for domestic production, a Cabinet minister has said.
This follows a record-breaking wheat harvest for the 2025 winter season where 640 195 tonnes were achieved, the highest-ever wheat harvest in the country’s history.
Zimbabwe requires about 360 000 tonnes of wheat per year to ensure adequate supply of bread and associated products.
The latest harvest marks the third consecutive year of wheat self-sufficiency.
The country produces soft wheat and imports about 30 percent of its hard wheat requirements for blending purposes.
However, 100 percent locally-produced wheat is being used to make bread by some manufacturers.
In addition, the country has harvested 47 709 tonnes of barley, at an average yield of 7,75 tonnes per hectare compared to 7 tonnes per hectare achieved last year.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said trials were underway to produce hard wheat characteristics.
“Cabinet was updated on the 2024-2025 summer crops marketing, 2025 winter season crops production and 2025-2026 summer season production plan,” said Dr Muswere.
“The grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as at November 27, 2025 stands at 180 063 tonnes, out of which the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has contributed 60 347 tonnes.
“The harvesting of the wheat crop has been completed, with a total of 640 195 tonnes harvested from 122 146 hectares, at an average yield of 5,2 tonnes per hectare.
“Trials are underway at ARDA to produce a variety with ‘hard wheat characteristics’”.
Dr Muswere added that 47 709 tonnes of barley have been harvested from the 6 156 hectares planted.
A higher average yield of 7,75 tonnes per hectare has been achieved, compared to the 7 tonnes per hectare last year.
Responding to questions at the post-Cabinet briefing, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the successful trialling of varieties ensures the beginning of cultivation of hard wheat.
“Zimbabwe actually produces what is called spring wheat, which is defined as soft wheat and that wheat would require mixing with hard wheat, which is grown in temperate areas and is grown in winter,” said Dr Masuka.
“The climate conditions in Zimbabwe were deemed to be such that we could not produce hard wheat but there are a few seed companies that have researched on hard wheat.
“The hard wheat production has always been associated with lower yield per head. This is the first major breakthrough of a variety that combines the hard wheat characteristic and a higher yield.”
Dr Masuka added that over the past four years, they have been trialling the variety which has high gluten content, indicating that irrespective of the environment it is produced.
“So, we are confident now that we have entered a stage where we can introduce a policy, conversation and discussion around producing enough of our soft wheat and consider production of hard wheat with a view in the medium and long-term to ensure we are self-sufficient in both the hard and soft wheat,” he said.
Dr Masuka said Government continues to promote the localisation of value chains and quest to have better crop genetics that suit the country’s climate environment.
Zimbabwe’s wheat production has been increasing over the years with 94 685 tonnes produced in 2019, before rising to approximately 468 000 tonnes in 2023, breaking a 56-year record, and then climbing further to 562 091 tonnes in 2024.
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