Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe is projected to record a grain surplus exceeding 600 000 tonnes this year, which will be channelled into the country's strategic reserves, reflecting continued gains in national food security.

The development was revealed following a Cabinet briefing where Government approved updates on the 2025–2026 summer crops marketing season, the 2026 winter production plan, as well as mechanisation and irrigation progress from 2017 to 2025.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet noted that the country's food security outlook remains positive, supported by increased agricultural output and improved production systems.

"The projections indicate that Zimbabwe stands to realise a surplus strategic grain reserve ranging between 550 945 tonnes and 964 945 tonnes," he said.

He added that Zimbabwe has made significant progress in shifting from maize and wheat deficits to surplus production, aided by climate-smart agriculture programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa and expanded irrigation and mechanisation initiatives.

Government data shows that strategic grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stood at 152 467 tonnes as of 20 May 2026, while more than 82 000 tonnes of crops including maize, soya beans, sorghum and sunflower have already been formally marketed this season.

Minister Soda said maize remains the dominant crop, with over 2.3 million tonnes harvested nationwide, led by Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces.

Sorghum production reached 261 868 tonnes, with Matabeleland South recording the highest output, while soyabean production stood at 94 103 tonnes, led by Mashonaland Central.

The Government also reported progress in farmer payments, saying all outstanding arrears were settled in foreign currency, with over 82 percent of the ZiG component also paid.

Soda said the GMB has expanded its storage and logistics capacity through 1 804 collection points and 89 depots, including the introduction of AI-powered silos and a warehouse receipt system to improve grain handling and storage efficiency.

On tobacco, the Government said 252.92 million kilograms have been sold so far this season at an average price of US$2.54 per kg, representing a 24 percent increase in volume.

Minister Soda said tobacco now contributes between 10 and 15 percent of Zimbabwe's agricultural GDP, making it one of the country's most significant cash crops.

Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said Government will continue strengthening policy frameworks to support sustained agricultural growth and ensure clear roles across the value chain.

"We have entrenched this policy so that there is clarity and role delineation with various actors in the value chain," he said.

The cotton marketing season has also begun, with 173 permanent and 398 mobile buying points established nationwide.

Authorities say the combined gains across key crops signal improving resilience in the agriculture sector and stronger prospects for national food self-sufficiency.
- The Herald

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