Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is targeting to produce at least 662 000 tonnes of winter wheat this season — the highest output in history — as the country moves to ensure self-sufficiency and build strategic grain reserves.
This comes as Cabinet yesterday approved the 2026 winter production plan, which also seeks to achieve 45 500 tonnes of barley and 243 850 tonnes of Irish potatoes.
The 2026 winter plan is part of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2) and serves as the sectoral implementation framework within the broader context of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the plan will build on the success of previous seasons, particularly wheat production in 2025.
He also noted that the plan promotes rural industrialisation through value addition across the entire agricultural value chain.
Dr Soda added that the plan aligns with AFSRTS 2, which includes sustainable production, climate resilience, rural industrialisation, market development and infrastructure enhancement.
“Accordingly, the available area for winter irrigation is estimated at 256 958 hectares, with 140 500 hectares designated for the production of wheat, Irish potatoes and barley,” Dr Soda said.
“Specifically, wheat will be cultivated on 125 000 hectares, barley on 6 500 hectares, and Irish potatoes on 9 000 hectares. “The Wheat Plan aims to produce 662 500 tonnes, surpassing the national annual requirement of 615 000 tonnes.
“Furthermore, barley production is projected to rise to 45 500 tonnes, while Irish potato production is projected to reach 243 850 tonnes.”
Dr Soda said Government will closely monitor 21 critical enablers to ensure the success of the winter crops, especially essential resources such as power and fuel.
“To ensure the successful implementation of the Plan, Government will closely monitor 21 critical enablers, including essential resources such as power, water, seed, fertiliser and fuel,” he added.
“Financial support mechanisms encompassing farmer payments, financing and insurance; operational efficiency factors like mechanisation, coordination and contract farming; risk management strategies addressing migratory pests, land issues, security and veld fire management; capacity building, policy and regulatory frameworks, soil management, marketing and monitoring and evaluation will be tracked. A comprehensive Whole-of-Government and sector approach will be employed to achieve the set targets.”
Speaking at the same briefing, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said Government was satisfied with current dam levels, which are crucial for successful winter cropping.
“We are very satisfied with those levels except in Mashonaland Central, which has a dam average of 62 percent, and has been brought down by Mazowe Dam, which has about 12 percent. So there will consequently be a reduction in the area under winter crops, principally wheat, in those areas,” said Dr Masuka.
“You will recall that last year, Mazowe was perhaps the biggest growing district for wheat, followed by Zvimba, but we have compensated for that.
“We also see a slight reduction in the area allocated to winter production in Mashonaland West, to just around 35 000 hectares, marginally down from about 35 500 hectares they had last year.
“We see Mashonaland East picking up, as well as the rest of the provinces, on account of those provinces having received higher and more rain.”
He said Government is also confident about the ongoing wet spell, which will enable a successful winter cropping season.
