Published: 16 hours ago

Zimbabwe has achieved its highest-ever wheat output, producing 578 059 tonnes during the 2025 season and surpassing last year's record harvest of 562 091 tonnes, Agriculture Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka has announced.

The milestone cements Zimbabwe's position as one of only two African countries to attain wheat self-sufficiency - a development Dr. Masuka credited to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership and agricultural reform initiatives.

"From a modest volume of 94 685 tonnes in 2019 to 562 091 tonnes in 2024, Zimbabwe is one of only two jurisdictions on the African continent that have become wheat self-sufficient," said Dr. Masuka. "This is testament to the President, His Excellency Dr. Mnangagwa's visionary leadership."

The minister said this year's output came from 110 543 hectares, with the remaining 12 023 hectares still to be harvested by early November. The total represents a 511 percent increase compared to 2019 levels.

Dr. Masuka noted that the 2025 production far exceeds the country's annual consumption requirement of 360 000 tonnes, creating opportunities for wheat exports within the region and beyond.

"Zimbabwe is currently seeking export markets for its wheat, in the region and beyond," he said.

While the record harvest eliminates the need for wheat imports this year, Dr. Masuka said some millers would continue importing high-gluten wheat varieties not produced locally, to meet specialised industrial requirements.

"Such wheat, not produced locally, will continue to be imported as per previous pronouncements and import application arrangements, without any additional costs," he explained.

The Government, through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), has already distributed more than 6 518 tonnes of wheat to millers to stabilise market supplies and maintain price consistency.

"The current wheat product price stability is partially attributable to this timely intervention. This must continue," Dr. Masuka added.

The record-breaking harvest underscores the success of government-backed irrigation expansion, contract farming, and input support schemes, which have been central to Zimbabwe's drive toward agricultural self-reliance.
- The Herald

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