Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
THE country’s Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) has risen to 264 925 tonnes, providing a stronger national buffer against possible food shortages and future droughts.
The latest Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) weekly report shows that the reserve increased by 8 135 tonnes, representing a 3,17 percent rise from the previous stock level of 256 790 tonnes.
Maize accounts for the largest share of the current stocks at 145 882.524 tonnes, while wheat stocks increased to 67 861.194 tonnes.
The reserve also holds 36 342.352 tonnes of red sorghum, 13 195.314 tonnes of white sorghum, 1 642.784 tonnes of pearl millet and 1.094 tonnes of rapoko.
The build-up in stocks comes as the Government continues to mobilise grain from farmers following a strong 2025/26 agricultural season.
Of the targeted 150 000 tonnes under the summer intake programme, 146 423.60 tonnes, representing 97.62 percent, has already been mobilised, leaving 3 576.40 tonnes to reach the target.
Farmers who benefited from the Presidential Inputs Scheme have also contributed 3 455.340 tonnes under the Government’s 10kg grain contribution programme.
The programme requires beneficiaries of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs support during the 2025/26 farming season to contribute 10kg of grain, either maize or wheat, to designated Grain Marketing Board collection points.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the contributions would strengthen the national reserve while ensuring beneficiaries could receive assistance in future difficult seasons.
“Every beneficiary is expected to deliver 10kg of grain, be it maize or wheat, and have their names recorded. In the event of a drought in the near future, those who would have given back to Government will be given first preference because they have kept their grains in the silos,” he said.
Meanwhile, harvesting of maize, soybean and traditional grain crops has been completed across all provinces, with verification underway ahead of the Post-Harvest Survey.
Farmers growing winter wheat are being encouraged to maximise production through good agricultural practices, including effective nutrient management, timely weed control, efficient irrigation scheduling and proper pest and disease management.
