Zimbabwe’s wheat production surpasses record as 2026 harvest reaches 671,000 tonnes
By November 4, farmers had harvested 670,981 tonnes, surpassing the 2025 national record of 640,195 tonnes by about 4.8%.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has surpassed its previous wheat production record following a strong 2026 harvest, with output reaching 670,981 tonnes as of November 4, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture reported by local newspaper The Herald on November 8, 2026.
The latest volume represents a 4.8% increase over the previous record of 640,195 tonnes achieved in 2025, positioning the country for another milestone in domestic wheat production.
With approximately 98% of the planted area already harvested, final production could increase further as harvesting operations are completed.
Zimbabwe, which ranks among Southern Africa’s leading wheat producers after South Africa, has recorded consistent growth in output over recent years, supported by expanding cultivated areas, improved access to agricultural inputs and investments in irrigation and mechanization.
The increase in 2026 production was largely driven by an expansion in wheat cultivation.
Farmers planted 130,316 hectares during the season, compared with 122,566 hectares in 2025, representing a 6.3% increase.
The cultivated area also exceeded the government’s initial target of 125,000 hectares by more than 5,000 hectares.
Improved availability of essential agricultural resources also contributed to the successful season.
Shadreck Makombe, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU), told The Herald that the 2026 campaign benefited from reliable electricity and water supplies, alongside improved availability of tractors and combine harvesters.
These factors helped farmers maintain production activities and complete harvesting operations efficiently.
The record harvest comes amid rising domestic wheat consumption.
According to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), national wheat consumption increased from 489,402 tonnes in the 2022/23 marketing year to 605,183 tonnes in 2024/25, representing growth of approximately 24%.
Rising population, changing dietary preferences and increased consumption of bread, pasta and noodles are contributing to demand.
Agricultural economist Reneth Mano previously projected that national requirements could approach 650,000 tonnes in the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, the government is seeking to strengthen national grain reserves against potential drought risks associated with El Niño during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Harare has set a target of accumulating 600,000 tonnes of strategic grain reserves by October 2027.
In early November 2026, Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka estimated national grain stocks at 352,000 tonnes, up from 264,925 tonnes reported in September.
The September inventory included 67,861 tonnes of wheat and 145,883 tonnes of maize.
The increased wheat output is expected to improve domestic supply security, reduce dependence on imports and create opportunities for the country’s milling and food processing industries.
However, authorities face the challenge of balancing domestic market requirements, strategic reserve accumulation and the commercialization of potential exportable surpluses.
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