Published: 10 hours ago

Zimbabwe has achieved its highest-ever wheat harvest, solidifying its status as one of Africa's few wheat self-sufficient nations. The country has recorded a historic 622 141 tonnes from the 2025 winter wheat season, surpassing last year's record of 562 091 tonnes and exceeding the national annual consumption requirement of 360 000 tonnes. With 96 percent of the harvest now complete and only 4 480 hectares remaining, the record-breaking output ensures a substantial surplus for the country's strategic grain reserves.

This marks the third consecutive year Zimbabwe has surpassed its own production record, signalling a sustained revival of the agricultural sector and reinforcing its position as a regional food security leader. Experts say the bumper harvest will stabilise local flour and bread prices while boosting confidence in the country's farming systems. Between 1969 and 1999, Zimbabwe's wheat production averaged 250 000 tonnes per year, peaking at 325 000 tonnes in 1990. The current achievement nearly doubles those figures, demonstrating the success of recent agricultural reforms.

Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri attributed the milestone to the resilience of farmers and coordinated policy support from the government. "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," he said.

He credited the success to timely input delivery, technical assistance, and the decentralised mechanisation programme, which established 21 provincial machinery clusters. These clusters made tractors, combine harvesters, and other essential equipment more accessible, improving efficiency in land preparation, planting, and harvesting while reducing operational costs.

Professor Jiri also highlighted the role of financial partnerships involving the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the Agricultural Finance Corporation, and CBZ Bank. These collaborations provided farmers with access to funding for inputs and machinery, ensuring production continuity across all provinces. The adoption of drought-tolerant wheat varieties and climate-smart farming techniques boosted yields, even in typically dry regions such as Matabeleland North and South.

Minimal quelea bird damage was recorded thanks to integrated pest management methods that combined aerial, drone, and ground spraying techniques. Professor Jiri said the coordinated response prevented significant losses and allowed uninterrupted harvesting throughout the country.

According to government statistics, Mashonaland West led production with 180 642 tonnes harvested from 33 828 hectares, followed by Mashonaland Central with 161 582 tonnes and Mashonaland East with 120 687 tonnes. Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South also recorded strong yields, with the traditionally drier southern provinces achieving over five tonnes per hectare.

"Government's investment in wheat production continues to pay off handsomely," said Professor Jiri. "Farmers have truly answered the call to fight for food security. It is clear that our initiatives are yielding results, and the wheat value chain is now on a firm path toward sustainability."

He dismissed speculation about possible increases in bread or flour prices, assuring consumers that there was no justification for price hikes since no wheat imports were necessary. "Our farmers have harvested enough, and we continue to see stability in both grain and mealie meal prices," he said.

Mega Market managing director Shiraan Ahmed echoed the sentiment, saying flour and bread prices would remain stable following clarification from the Agricultural Marketing Authority that the US$10 per tonne levy under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 applies only to maize imports, not wheat.

Zimbabwe's 2025 wheat harvest reinforces its position alongside Ethiopia as one of only two African nations to achieve wheat self-sufficiency. The record output stands as a testament to effective policy coordination, farmer resilience, and strategic investment in mechanisation and climate-smart agriculture. It also represents a major step toward restoring Zimbabwe's historic reputation as the region's breadbasket.
- SundayMail

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