Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE has surpassed its previous record winter wheat harvest, as farmers had reaped 670 981 tonnes by last week, strengthening the country’s food security position and providing a critical buffer against potential production shortfalls during the 2026/2027 summer cropping season, which is expected to be affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The harvest, which exceeds last year’s record of 640 000 tonnes by about 31 000 tonnes, consolidates Zimbabwe’s wheat self-sufficiency and gives the Government greater capacity to build strategic grain reserves ahead of anticipated rainfall challenges.
The latest milestone comes as the Government intensifies efforts to strengthen national food reserves, with the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) targeted to reach 450 000 tonnes by the end of this year before increasing to 600 000 tonnes by October 2027.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development’s weekly harvesting report, as at November 4, farmers had harvested 127 518 hectares (ha) out of the 130 316ha planted.
The national average yield stood at 5,3 tonnes per hectare.
Mashonaland West province accounted for the largest share of production at 217 285 tonnes, followed by Mashonaland Central with 143 235 tonnes and Mashonaland East with 131 892 tonnes.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry Professor Obert Jiri said the performance demonstrated the growing productive capacity of the agriculture sector.
He said the final harvest figures would further consolidate the country’s position in wheat self-sufficiency.
“These developments demonstrate the growing resilience and productive capacity of our agriculture sector,” said Prof Jiri.
“We remain optimistic that the final harvest figures will further consolidate Zimbabwe’s position in wheat self-sufficiency.”
The Government, he said, was prioritising the use of locally produced wheat by ensuring adequate supplies for domestic millers and processors.
Any surplus remaining after meeting domestic requirements and strategic reserve needs could be channelled to livestock feed manufacturers, with proceeds helping to finance the procurement of hard wheat used in premium bread production, he added.
“This approach will enable us to extract maximum value from our domestic harvest, support local agro-processing industries, strengthen livestock production and reduce unnecessary pressure on foreign currency,” he said.
The record harvest is also expected to complement the Government’s efforts to strengthen the SGR as a safeguard against potential food production shortfalls during the anticipated El Niño-affected summer season.
The programme is being supported by increased grain procurement and improvements to storage infrastructure, with the Government targeting 450 000 tonnes in reserves by December 2026 before building stocks to 600 000 tonnes by October 2027.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe attributed this season’s exceptional performance to the availability of critical agricultural production enablers.
These included reliable electricity and water supplies, as well as improved access to mechanisation.
“We have experienced the best season ever this year. All the key drivers were available. No electricity outages, no water challenges. Mechanisation was on point, from tractor availability to combine harvesters,” he said.
Dr Makombe also cited the absence of major quelea bird infestations, saying reaction teams were prepared to deal with any reported cases.
Strategic Grain Reserve 200ha Plus Club chairperson Mr Tichaona Mapfoche said the Government support through the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) had enabled contracted farmers to access the resources required to sustain production.
“Having been contracted by ARDA, we had all the required resources in place to drive our season,” he said.
“There is no reason for us not delivering to the Grain Marketing Board.”
