Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is exploring the cultivation of hard wheat after local companies achieved a major breakthrough in developing seed varieties suitable for domestic production. This follows a record-breaking wheat harvest for the 2025 winter season, with 640 195 tonnes achieved — the highest-ever wheat yield 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.
At present, the country produces soft wheat and imports about 30 percent of its hard wheat requirements for blending purposes. However, some manufacturers are already using 100 percent locally produced wheat to make bread. In addition, the country has harvested 47 709 tonnes of barley, at an average yield of 7,75 tonnes per hectare compared to seven tonnes per hectare achieved in 2024.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Broadcasting and Publicity Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said trials are already 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. The grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as at 27 November 2025 stands at 180 063 tonnes, 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’,” said Dr Muswere.
Dr Muswere added that 47 709 tonnes of barley have been harvested from the 6 156 hectares planted.
Responding to questions at the briefing, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the successful trialling of varieties signals the beginning of hard wheat cultivation.
“Zimbabwe actually produces what is called spring wheat, which is defined as soft wheat, and that wheat requires mixing with hard wheat, which is grown in temperate areas during winter. The climate conditions in Zimbabwe were deemed unsuitable for hard wheat production, but a few seed companies have researched on hard wheat. 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,” said Dr Masuka.
Dr Masuka added that over the past four years, trials have been conducted on the variety, which has high gluten content, indicating adaptability regardless of the environment.
“So, we are confident now that we have entered a stage where we can introduce a policy conversation 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 hard and soft wheat,” he said.
Dr Masuka said Government will continue to promote the localisation of value chains and the quest for better crop genetics suited to the country’s climate.
Zimbabwe’s wheat production has been increasing over the years, with 94 685 tonnes produced in 2019, rising to approximately 468 000 tonnes in 2023 — breaking a 56-year record — and climbing further to 562 091 tonnes in 2024.
