Zimbabwe News Update
herald
9 min read
Theseus ShambareZIMBABWE has cemented its position as one of Africa’s few wheat-self-sufficient nations, announcing a record-shattering harvest of 622 141 tonnes to date from this year’s winter wheat season.This unprecedented yield, which surpasses last year’s record of 562 091 tonnes, solidifies the country’s remarkable agricultural turnaround and strengthens its strategic food reserves.With the harvest 96 percent complete and only 4 480 hectares (ha) remaining, this year’s output has already dwarfed the national annual demand of 360 000 tonnes, ensuring a substantial surplus.The achievement marks the third consecutive year Zimbabwe has broken its own wheat production record, signalling a sustained and strategic revival of a sector once hampered by climate and economic challenges.This year’s milestone positions the country firmly on course to reclaim its breadbasket status in the region.Readily available flour — a key ingredient in bread, pasta and pastries — is expected to guarantee price stability in the local market as millers and bakers tap into ample domestic supply.Between 1969 and 1999, Zimbabwe averaged around 250 000 tonnes annually, with a peak of 325 000 tonnes recorded in 1990.Two years ago, the country joined Ethiopia as the only two African countries to achieve wheat self-sufficiency, a feat once considered unthinkable amid climate challenges and shifting global markets.In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said farmers had exceeded the country’s expectations.The 622 141 tonnes haul from 118 086ha already harvested represents an average yield of 5,2 tonnes per hectare.Related stories:https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/winter-wheat-harvest-tops-500-000-tonnes/https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/zim-rewrites-agricultural-story/https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/zimbabwe-records-another-bumper-wheat-harvest/https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/new-zimbabwes-wheat-harvest-has-already-topped-578-059-tonnes-surpassing-last-years-record/“This performance reflects both the resilience of our farmers and the strategic interventions coordinated at policy level to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and strengthen national food security,” said Prof Jiri.He said the timely release of inputs, technical guidance and subsidised support that enabled farmers to adopt best practices across provinces, even in drier regions such as Matabeleland North and South provinces, had contributed to the bumper harvest.The decentralised mechanisation programme, implemented through 21 machinery clusters, ensured that tractors, combine harvesters and other equipment were readily accessible, improving efficiency in land preparation, planting and harvesting while reducing costs and time delays.In addition, strategic financial partnerships with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the Agricultural FinanceCorporation and CBZ Bank allowed farmers to access funding for inputs and machinery, sustaining operations across all provinces.The adoption of improved, drought-tolerant wheat varieties and climate-smart agronomic practices also boosted productivity, particularly in emerging production zones in Matabeleland.Minimal quelea bird damage was achieved through integrated pest control using aircraft, drones, tractor-mounted sprayers and traditional methods, ensuring uninterrupted harvesting across all provinces.“This multi-pronged approach has ensured crop protection and uninterrupted harvesting across all provinces,” said Prof Jiri.“Provincial performance remains strong, with most areas above 90 percent harvested.”According to latest statistics, Mashonaland West was leading production with 180 642 tonnes from 33 828ha, followed by Mashonaland Central with 161 582 tonnes from 27 480ha and Mashonaland East with 120 687 tonnes from 22 226ha.Manicaland produced 50 993 tonnes, Midlands 58 128 tonnes and Masvingo 17 659 tonnes.In the traditionally drier Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, production reached 14 316 tonnes and 18 134 tonnes, respectively, with both provinces achieving yields above five tonnes per hectare.“Government’s investment in wheat production continues to pay off handsomely,” he said.“Farmers have truly answered the call to fight for food security.
It is clear that our initiatives are yielding results.”Zimbabwe’s strong yields and minimal post-harvest losses, Prof Jiri added, confirmed that “the wheat value chain is now on a firm path towards sustainability”.Prof Jiri also dismissed speculation about potential bread or flour price hikes, saying the nation was adequately stocked.“Our farmers have harvested enough, and we continue to see stability in both grain and mealie meal prices.
There is no justification for any bread or flour price increases since no wheat importation has been authorised,” he said.Industry players such as Mega Market managing director Mr Shiraan Ahmed separately indicated that flour and bread prices would remain stable following clarification by the Agricultural Marketing Authority that the US$10 per tonne levy under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 applies only to maize imports, not wheat.Leave a ReplyCancel reply
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