Zimbabwe eyes record wheat harvest
Zimbabwe is targeting a wheat harvest exceeding 660,000 tonnes after planting 118,185 hectares, 94.5% of its target. Strong dam levels and irrigation support production, helping build food reserves and reduce import dependence ahead of a possible El Niño-linked drought in 2026/27.
Zimbabwe is on course for another potentially record-breaking wheat harvest, with authorities projecting production of more than 660,000 tonnes this year as farmers complete winter planting ahead of the June 15 deadline.
The anticipated harvest is expected to strengthen national food security, reduce reliance on imports and provide a crucial buffer against forecasts of a possible drought during the 2026/2027 summer cropping season.
Latest figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show that 118,185 hectares of wheat had been planted by Thursday, representing 94.5 percent of the national target of 125,000 hectares.
Government officials expressed confidence that the remaining hectarage would be planted before the close of the season.
If the target is achieved, Zimbabwe is expected to harvest approximately 662,500 tonnes of wheat, significantly exceeding the country’s annual consumption requirement of around 360,000 tonnes.
The strong performance comes as authorities intensify preparations for the next summer farming season amid forecasts indicating an 80 percent probability of an El Niño-induced drought.
Agriculture experts say the winter wheat programme has become one of Zimbabwe’s most important food security interventions, allowing the country to build grain reserves through irrigation-based production that is less vulnerable to rainfall variability.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Obert Jiri, said the country remained on track to achieve its planting target.
“No further extension. We should be able to hit our target by Monday,” said Prof Jiri.
The planting deadline was extended from May 31 to June 15 after prolonged rains delayed harvesting of summer crops and slowed land preparation in some areas.
Significantly, land already registered for wheat production has surpassed the national target, reaching 126,875 hectares.
Prof Jiri said the winter wheat programme plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s efforts to build resilience against climate-related shocks.
“We are leveraging the good water levels in our dams to maximise wheat production under irrigation,” he said.
“The objective is not only to achieve self-sufficiency, but to build a buffer against future climatic shocks.
“The forecasts are pointing to a high probability of an El Niño event next season and, as Government, we must prepare in advance. Wheat gives us that opportunity because it is produced under irrigation and is less vulnerable to rainfall variability.”
The programme has been supported by favourable water supplies, with national dam levels remaining above 90 percent following a successful rainy season.
The abundant water reserves have created ideal conditions for winter cropping and strengthened prospects for another bumper harvest.
Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has transformed its wheat sector from one heavily dependent on imports into a largely self-sufficient industry.
The turnaround has been driven by investments in irrigation rehabilitation, mechanisation, contract farming and targeted support programmes for farmers.
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Monica Chinamasa said the strong planting performance reflected growing confidence among producers.
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Source : Bulawayo 24
