Theseus Shambare, Zimpapers Writer
ZIMBABWE’S agricultural sector is shifting into top gear as farmers prepare for the 2025/26 summer cropping season, buoyed by a record-breaking wheat harvest that has further strengthened the country’s food security profile.
For years, Zimbabwe’s food security relied predominantly on maize. But under the Second Republic’s agricultural transformation agenda, the country has successfully adopted a dual-season model — maximising land use through summer cropping and winter wheat production.
This strategic shift has stabilised national grain reserves, reduced dependence on imports and delivered consecutive record harvests.
This year, wheat farmers have shattered all previous records, producing 622 141 tonnes — with about 4 480 hectares still to be harvested in the next two weeks. Last year’s haul stood at 562 091 tonnes, while the 2023 harvest delivered 375 000 tonnes.
With annual wheat consumption estimated at 360 000 tonnes, the country now boasts a substantial surplus for strategic reserves.
Farmers are working swiftly to complete harvesting before the onset of the rains expected mid this month. According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Climate Services Centre, the upcoming season is expected to experience neutral rainfall patterns, providing favourable conditions for planting.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the accelerated harvesting pace is crucial for a seamless transition into summer production.
“Timely harvesting is important because completing the task by the set deadline allows farmers to optimise yields and prepare adequately for summer cropping,” he said.
Prof Jiri attributed the efficient harvesting process to the deployment of over 300 combine harvesters across 21 provincial clusters, complemented by over 13 000 tractors distributed nationwide under the Government’s mechanisation programme for land preparation.
The Government has also facilitated linkages between wheat farmers at irrigation schemes and contractors leasing harvesting machinery to ensure timely and cost-effective operations.
This multi-pronged approach, Prof Jiri said, ensured uninterrupted harvesting across all provinces.
Provincial statistics show that Mashonaland West leads with 180 642 tonnes from 33 828ha, followed by Mashonaland Central with 161 582 tonnes and Mashonaland East with 120 687 tonnes. Matabeleland North and South provinces also posted impressive yields above five tonnes per hectare, producing 14 316 tonnes and 18 134 tonnes respectively.
Prof Jiri said the the abundant domestic supply guarantees stable flour and bread prices. The country will also save the much needed foreign currency which in the past was spent on importing wheat.
As the wheat season winds down, attention has swiftly turned to summer cropping preparations.
Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, three million farmers are being supported to plant at least two to three plots each.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said progress is ahead of schedule, with 9,2 million plots already prepared — surpassing initial targets.
“Our summer plan is progressing well. We are supporting three million households, each with three plots, giving us nine million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots. The extra 200 000 are voluntary adoption plots created by farmers who realised the benefits of the system,” she said.
To maximise productivity, the Government is allocating inputs based on the agro-ecological zone — with maize prioritised for Regions I and II, while drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and millet are promoted in drier Regions IV and V.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme are being distributed countrywide, with over 30 000 tonnes of fertiliser expected to reach all wards this week.
“The President has consistently ensured that every beneficiary under the Presidential Inputs Scheme receives seed, basal and top-dressing fertiliser and chemicals on time,” he said.
The 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan targets 1,8 million hectares of maize, 516 000 hectares of sorghum, and 280 000 hectares of traditional grains under various support schemes, including the Presidential Inputs Programme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS).
Across provinces such as Matabeleland North, enthusiasm is high as farmers finalise land preparations and receive inputs, with ARDAS confirming that all districts have begun distribution and Nkayi district alone has so far received 60 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser.
The record wheat harvest comes at a time when the Government has also implemented reforms to ease business in the wholesale and retail sector, creating a more enabling environment for traders and agribusiness operators.
In a statement, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu welcomed the reforms, saying they have improved supply chain efficiency and boosted confidence in the domestic agricultural market.
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