Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe is poised for a record-breaking wheat harvest of 600 000 tonnes this season - the highest output in the country's history - as it moves beyond self-sufficiency toward building strategic grain reserves.

Under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, policies spearheaded by the Second Republic have focused on boosting wheat production, with the long-term aim of becoming a net exporter. Preliminary figures from the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) indicate that the national target of 300 000 tonnes under estates, irrigation schemes, and joint ventures will not only be met but exceeded, thanks to improved productivity and strong public-private partnerships.

Arda CEO Tino Mhiko said harvesting is progressing well, with early-planted crops already showing promising yields. "We have harvested 521 hectares, translating to 3 445 tonnes at an average yield of 6,6 tonnes per hectare. The trend across our estates shows that our 300 000-tonne target will be exceeded," he said, attributing the performance to technology-driven, climate-smart farming methods, soil health preservation, and water conservation.

The 2025 winter wheat season benefited from improved power supply, with ZETDC ring-fencing 150 megawatts for irrigation - up from 120 MW last year - ensuring uninterrupted operations throughout the growing period.

Zimbabwe has maintained wheat self-sufficiency since 2022. Before 2018, the country imported over 80 percent of its wheat, mainly from Eastern Europe, spending more than US$100 million annually. Since the Second Republic's Agricultural Recovery Plan and Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy (2020–2025) were implemented, production has steadily risen: 375 000 tonnes in 2022, 467 000 tonnes in 2023, and now a projected 600 000 tonnes in 2025. Zimbabwe is now one of only two African nations - alongside Ethiopia - to achieve wheat self-sufficiency.

The Grain Marketing Board has maintained the producer price for the 2025 season at US$450 per tonne, a competitive and sustainable rate aligned with import parity, ensuring continued farmer motivation.

Arda, established in 1981 under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, continues to play a critical role in managing state farms, irrigation schemes, and private joint ventures, accounting for over half of Zimbabwe's wheat production and underpinning national food security.

With these milestones, Zimbabwe is steadily cementing its position among the top eight self-sufficient wheat-producing nations in Africa, while laying the groundwork for strategic grain reserves to safeguard the country against future shocks.
- The Chronicle

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