Zimbabwe eyes wheat surplus as farmers raise concerns over costs and delays
Zimbabwe plans to exceed its wheat needs, but farmers say rising costs and payment delays could slow progress.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has set an ambitious wheat production target for 2026, but farmers say cost pressures and payment delays still threaten progress.
The plan came up during a cabinet meeting led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Authorities want farmers to plant 125,000 hectares and reach output of 662,500 tonnes, which stands above the national requirement of 615,000 tonnes.
Agriculture Minister Anxious Jongwe Masuka said the government will track key inputs such as electricity, water, seed, fertiliser and fuel. Officials also plan to support farmers through financing, insurance, mechanisation and risk management.
Zimbabwe has increased wheat output in recent years. Farmers harvested a record 578,000 tonnes in 2025, beating the previous season. Many farmers expanded irrigated land to keep yields stable.
However, farmers continue to face pressure. Some report delays in payments for grain deliveries. Others say prepaid electricity for irrigation has raised their costs. Limited access to harvesters has also slowed work during the short harvest period.
Analysts say Zimbabwe could enter export markets if it fixes these issues. Global supply gaps linked to the war in Iran have created space for new suppliers. If the country improves access to finance and energy, it could meet local demand and sell excess wheat abroad.
The wheat push comes as Zimbabwe also works to increase local fertiliser supply. The Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed plans to build a nitrogen fertiliser plant at a cost of US$200 million (US$200 million). China’s Xintai will lead the project, with construction set to start in June 2026 and operations expected in 2027.
The plant will produce 200,000 tonnes of urea and 200,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate each year. Officials say this will support farmers who depend on steady fertiliser supply. “This development will result in increased employment, improved local fertilizer production and better agricultural yields,” the ministry said.
Zimbabwe still relies on fertiliser imports. The country spent about US$331 million (US$331 million) on imports in 2024, with nitrogen products making up the largest share. Strong local production could help reduce costs and improve access for farmers.
Together, these efforts show Zimbabwe’s focus on raising farm output, though farmers say success will depend on how fast the country resolves funding and energy challenges.
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