Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE is edging closer to eliminating costly hard wheat imports as advances in local seed breeding begin closing the quality gap that has long forced millers to rely on premium foreign grain despite the country’s record-breaking wheat harvests.
While Zimbabwe has produced enough grain to meet much of its domestic demand, millers have continued importing premium hard wheat to blend with locally produced grain for bread and other baked products because of its superior protein strength and gluten characteristics.
The country imported wheat worth about US$124,5 million in 2023, with imports increasing to nearly US$135 million in 2024.
Hard wheat, prized by millers for its high protein and strong gluten, produces dough with better elasticity and higher loaf volumes, making it the preferred choice for bread flour.
Developing locally adapted varieties with these premium milling qualities has remained one of the final hurdles towards complete wheat self-sufficiency.
In an interview, Seed Co chief executive officer Mr Morgan Nzwere said the company was developing wheat varieties capable of matching international milling standards while remaining suited to Zimbabwe’s changing climate.
“We will continue investing in wheat research and development to produce varieties that address current and future challenges facing farmers and the industry,” said Mr Nzwere.
“We are adopting modern breeding technologies, including marker-assisted breeding, genomic selection, doubled haploid technology and speed breeding to shorten the time required to develop and release new varieties.”
He said the objective is to develop hard wheat varieties that “will ultimately eliminate the need for Zimbabwe to import hard wheat for the baking industry while ensuring farmers have access to high-yielding, climate-smart varieties”.
Government is pursuing the same objective through investments in improved genetics and climate-smart agriculture.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said improved wheat varieties were central to Zimbabwe’s long-term food security strategy.
“This wheat is both heat- and drought-tolerant. Our researchers are working tirelessly as we seek to ensure that our food security is not determined by weather or rain,” he said.
“We want our agriculture systems to be adaptable to all changes while we ensure no one dies from hunger. This is the smartest way of climate-proofing our agriculture.”
Zimbabwe, Professor Jiri said, could no longer afford dependence on imported wheat and flour.
“The objective is to be self-sufficient through both winter and summer wheat. Farmers, schools and seed producers must all take advantage of these improved varieties and our irrigation programmes to contribute to national food security.”
Wheat breeder Mr Jairos Masawi said recently developed varieties demonstrated that quality and climate resilience could be achieved simultaneously.
