The winter wheat harvest in Zimbabwe reached a new record

According to the weekly report of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, by November 4 farmers had completed harvesting from 127,518 hectares out of 130,316 sown hectares. The total volume of harvested wheat amounted to 670,981 tonnes, which is approximately 31,000 tonnes higher than last year's record of 640,000 tonnes. Mashonaland West Province became the leader in production volumes with an indicator of 217,285 tonnes, followed by Mashonaland Central (143,235 tonnes) and Mashonaland East (131,892 tonnes).

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Professor Obert Jiri noted that such a result testifies to the growth of the productive potential of the agricultural sector and secures the country's position in matters of wheat self-sufficiency. The government intends to direct local wheat to supply domestic flour mills and processors. Surpluses can be transferred to livestock feed producers, and the proceeds can be directed to the purchase of durum wheat for the production of premium bread.

The record harvest will also help form a strategic grain reserve (SGR) as protection against potential deficits in the 2026/2027 summer season, which the El Niño weather phenomenon may affect. The reserve targets are 450,000 tonnes by the end of the current year and 600,000 tonnes by October 2027.

President of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) Dr. Shadreck Makombe attributed the success of the season to the availability of necessary production factors: uninterrupted electricity and water supply, developed mechanization, and the absence of major quelea bird infestations. Chairman of the Strategic Grain Reserve 200ha Plus club Mr. Tichaona Mapfoche emphasized that the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) provided support to contract farmers in providing resources.