Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
GOVERNMENT is finalising the first round of national crop assessments amid strong indications that Zimbabwe could record a bumper summer harvest following favourable and sustained rainfall received across the country.
In an interview on Monday in Harare, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos, said crops are in excellent condition, with maize, traditional grains and sunflower showing strong yield potential.
“We had a great amount of rainfall that came into our country and that rainfall continues even up to now. So we are looking towards a great amount of production,” he said.
While definitive figures, he said, will be announced after completion of the Crop and Livestock First Round Assessment (CLAFA 1), early indications point to a highly productive season.
“In general, the crop out there looks fantastic. We are seeing a considerable amount of maize in the ground, traditional grains, sunflower and we remain very, very optimistic that this season should be a bumper harvest,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.
The second round assessment (CLAFA 2) is expected to be completed in April, which will provide consolidated national production figures.
Beyond cereals, tobacco — Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export — is also projected to record significant growth this season.
The Deputy Minister revealed that tobacco hectarage is between 15 and 20 percent higher than last year, with crop quality described as excellent.
“We are praying for in excess of 400 million kilogrammes,” he said.
Last season, farmers produced 357 million kilogrammes.
Tobacco auction floors are set to open on March 4, where pricing trends for the 2026 marketing season will begin to emerge.
Meanwhile, Government has moved to ensure harvesting readiness through its mechanisation programme.
Combine harvesters are currently being serviced and will be deployed in clusters to facilitate timely harvesting, particularly for irrigation farmers who need to transition quickly into winter wheat production.
“Our mechanisation department is ensuring that combines are being serviced and will be in clusters so farmers can harvest in time and prepare for the winter season,” he said.
Authorities have also reaffirmed the continuation of the grain swap policy under which farmers can exchange surplus traditional grains for maize through the Grain Marketing Board.
The policy forms part of Government’s agroecological zoning strategy aimed at promoting crop suitability according to rainfall regions, particularly encouraging small grains in Regions 4 and 5.
“For those farmers who responded to the call to plant traditional grains rather than maize, it has paid off. Traditional grains are doing fundamentally well,” said the Deputy Minister.
He urged farmers to maintain strict agronomic standards ahead of harvest.
“Good agronomy can only result in a good crop. Farmers must ensure their fields are clean because poor management can affect yields,” he said.
The forthcoming CLAFA results are expected to provide the first official statistical outlook on national output and will guide grain marketing, strategic reserves planning and broader food security policy.
If confirmed, the anticipated bumper harvest would mark a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s agricultural recovery and rural incomes following previous drought-affected seasons.
