Zimbabwe aims to triple strategic grain reserve to 1.5M tonnes by 2028

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe plans to triple its Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) from the current 500,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes by 2028.

Analysts have hailed the move as a critical step to strengthen national food security, mitigate risks posed by increasingly erratic weather patterns, and accommodate record-breaking grain yields. The Government’s decision comes in response to the growing threat of droughts and floods, which have significantly impacted the country’s agricultural productivity.

Agricultural economist Ms. Jenifar Mangere described the initiative as proactive. “By significantly increasing the grain reserve, the Government is demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the nation’s food supply in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns,” she said.

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Zimbabwe is among the African countries most vulnerable to climate change. The nation recently endured an El Niño-induced drought, deemed the worst in 43 years, which devastated agricultural output.

The country’s current SGR of 500,000 tonnes provides sufficient coverage for one year. However, consecutive droughts and the growing frequency of extreme weather events necessitate a larger reserve to cushion the population against food insecurity.

To address these challenges, the Government has already begun expanding storage capacity nationwide, increasing the total silo capacity from 750,000 tonnes.

Key expansion projects are underway in locations such as Kwekwe, Lupane, Rutenga, Masvingo, Mvurwi, Mhangura, and Mutare.

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Prof. Mthuli Ncube underscored the importance of aligning agricultural marketing strategies with food security goals. He highlighted the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) as a key platform to enhance farmers’ incomes while minimizing post-harvest losses.

Agronomist Ms. Pamela Macheka expressed optimism about achieving this year’s 500,000-tonne target, citing favorable rainfall patterns.

Despite delayed rains, they have been sufficient and well-distributed, providing a strong foundation for a bountiful harvest. The Government’s 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to significantly boost cereal production, targeting 3.3 million tonnes—over four times the 744,271 tonnes recorded in the previous season.

The Presidential Input Scheme and other support programs have been implemented to assist farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, in accessing affordable inputs and improving productivity.

The Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) has also been tasked with addressing systemic challenges faced by rural farmers, including limited market access and inadequate storage facilities.

Economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara praised the Government’s efforts, emphasizing the SGR’s role in economic and social stability.

“A robust Strategic Grain Reserve is not merely about food security; it underpins economic resilience and social cohesion. By ensuring a reliable buffer against droughts and other disruptions, the SGR protects vulnerable communities and stabilizes market prices, fostering long-term economic growth,” he said.

The SGR will also help manage surplus production from grains such as wheat, sorghum, and millet, ensuring that the infrastructure matches the rising output of smallholder farmers.

Analysts predict that the enhanced SGR will shield the country from regional food crises and bolster its resilience in the face of climate-induced challenges.

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