Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
THE agricultural sector is to operate at full throttle as preparations for the 2025/26 summer cropping season gain momentum, while the winter wheat season is nearing completion with a record-shattering harvest that further strengthens the nation’s food security credentials.
For years, Zimbabwe’s food security depended heavily on maize. However, under the Second Republic’s agricultural transformation strategy, the country has struck a crucial balance by driving a wheat-based food security thrust – ensuring year-round land utilisation through both summer and winter farming.
This dual-season model has enabled the nation to stabilise grain reserves and cut import dependence, translating policy consistency into successive record harvests.
Farmers produced 375 000 tonnes in 2023, 562 091 tonnes in 2024, and have now shattered all previous records with 622 141 tonnes harvested this year- with about 4 480 hectares still to be harvested over the next two weeks.
Zimbabwe’s annual wheat requirement stands at around 360 000 tonnes, meaning the country now boasts a substantial surplus to reinforce its strategic grain reserves.
Farmers are racing against time to finish harvesting before the onset of early rains forecast for mid-November.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Climate Services Centre, the 2025/26 season is expected to experience neutral rainfall patterns-neither El Niño nor La Niña-creating favourable conditions for summer planting.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the accelerated harvesting pace would ensure a smooth transition into the summer season.
“Timely harvesting is important because completing the task by the set deadline allows farmers to optimise yields and prepare adequately for summer cropping,” said Prof Jiri.
He attributed the efficient harvesting process to the deployment of over 300 combine harvesters across 21 provincial clusters, complemented by more than 13 000 tractors distributed nationwide under the Government’s mechanisation programme for land preparation.
“Combine harvesters have accelerated harvesting and minimised weather-related risks, while adequate tractor availability is fast-tracking summer cropping preparations,” Prof Jiri said.
The Government has also facilitated linkages between wheat farmers in irrigation schemes and contractors leasing harvesting machinery to ensure timely and cost-effective operations.
Provincial statistics show Mashonaland West leading with 180 642 tonnes from 33 828ha, followed by Mashonaland Central with 161 582 tonnes, and Mashonaland East with 120 687 tonnes.
The traditionally drier Matabeleland North and South provinces also posted impressive yields above five tonnes per hectare, producing 14 316 tonnes and 18 134 tonnes respectively.
“This multi-pronged approach ensured uninterrupted harvesting across all provinces,” Prof Jiri said, adding that the abundant domestic supply guarantees stable flour and bread prices, with no need for imports.
As the wheat harvest winds down, preparations for the summer cropping season have shifted into high gear.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme — central to Zimbabwe’s climate resilience and food self-sufficiency strategy — will support three million farmers cultivating at least two to three plots each this season.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said 9,2 million plots have already been prepared, surpassing targets.
“Our summer plan is progressing well. We are supporting three million households, each with three plots, giving us nine million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots,” she said.
“The extra 200 000 are voluntary adoption plots created by farmers who realised the benefits of the system.”
To optimise yields, the Government is allocating inputs according to agro-ecological regions — with maize prioritised in wetter Regions I and II and drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and millet promoted in the drier Regions IV and V.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme are being distributed nationwide, with over 30 000 tonnes of fertiliser expected to reach all wards this week.
“The President has consistently ensured that every beneficiary under the Presidential Inputs Scheme receives seed, basal and top-dressing fertiliser and chemicals on time,” he said.
The 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan targets 1,8 million hectares of maize, 516 000 hectares of sorghum, and 280 000 hectares of traditional grains under various support schemes, including the Presidential Inputs Programme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS).
Across provinces such as Matabeleland North, enthusiasm is high as farmers finalise land preparations and receive inputs, with ARDAS confirming that all districts have begun distribution — Nkayi alone having received 60 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser.
The record wheat harvest comes at a time when the Government has also implemented reforms to ease business in the wholesale and retail sector, creating a more enabling environment for traders and agribusiness operators.
In a statement, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Denford Mutashu commended the Government, saying these reforms have lowered operational barriers, improved supply chain efficiency and ultimately bolstered confidence in the domestic agricultural market.
“These reforms mark a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing drive to create a competitive, efficient and business-friendly environment that promotes growth, formalisation and sustainability within Zimbabwe’s Retail and Wholesale landscape,” Mutashu said.
