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ZIMBABWE is targeting a record 662 500 tonnes of winter wheat this season as Government intensifies efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and build strategic grain reserves.
This follows Cabinet approval of the 2026 Winter Crop Production Plan, which also targets 45 500 metric tonnes of barley and 243 850 metric tonnes of Irish potatoes.
The plan forms part of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), which was unveiled by President Mnangagwa during the commissioning of an Artificial Intelligence-powered Grain Marketing Board silo complex in Mutare last October.
AFSRTS 2 serves as the sectoral implementation framework under the National Development Strategy 2 and the country’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
The strategy prioritises climate-smart agriculture, improved community nutrition and enhanced rural livelihoods through a holistic food systems approach to production.
AFSRTS 2 (2026-2030), which serves as the sectoral implementation framework within the broader context of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2, is a comprehensive roadmap aimed at fortifying the sector’s resilience through climate-smart agriculture.
Aligned with NDS2 and Vision 2030, AFSRTS 2 prioritises perennial food security, improved community nutrition and enhanced livelihoods through a holistic food systems approach to production.
This bolsters agriculture’s contribution to the country’s economic development and also steers the nation towards a more food-secure future.
Speaking during the commissioning of the new silos, President Mnangagwa said technological innovation was critical in transforming agriculture.
“The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution towards reshaping industries, economic sectors and society as a whole cannot be overemphasised. It is, therefore, pleasing that as we navigate this unavoidable new normal, our ministries, departments and agencies are harnessing the power of emerging technologies for the benefit of both current and future generations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the AFSRTS2 emphasises the resilience of the agricultural sector, based on the principles of climate-proofed agriculture, to ensure perennial food security, away from the episodic and weather-determined food security escapades of the past.
“This will assure the nation of food sovereignty. Concurrent with this effort, there will be improved nutrition for communities through a food systems approach to agricultural production.
“Resultantly, there will be better livelihoods for communities, and increased contribution of agriculture to economic development. These developments will be buttressed by a robust and secure land tenure and administration system,” he said.
However, after several game-changing interventions, including the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, widening of the irrigation initiative and mechanising the sector, production substantially grew, resulting in the sector surpassing the target.
Addressing the post-Cabinet 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 metric tonnes, surpassing the national annual requirement of 615 000 metric tonnes.
“Furthermore, barley production is projected to rise to 45 500 metric tonnes, while Irish potato production is projected to reach 243,850 metric 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, fertilizer and fuel,” he added.
“Financial support mechanisms encompassing farmer payments, financing and insurance; operational efficiency factors like mechanization, 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,” he said.
“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.”
Dr Masuka said the Government is also confident about the ongoing dry spell, which will enable a successful winter cropping season.
