Zimbabwe nears self-sufficiency with over 400 000T of wheat harvested

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s wheat harvest for 2024 is set to hit historic highs, with 428,000 tonnes already delivered to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country from 90,000 hectares harvested.

This marks a significant step toward food self-sufficiency, with the projected total harvest expected to reach 600,000 tonnes by season’s end, covering Zimbabwe’s national consumption needs and potentially opening avenues for export.

This achievement represents the highest yield since Zimbabwe began commercial wheat production, solidifying its path toward reducing dependency on wheat imports.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasized the importance of increasing domestic wheat output for national food security.

He urged farmers to make the most of sunny weather periods in the coming days to continue harvesting, as recent rains have increased moisture levels in wheat fields, particularly in the Mashonaland provinces, which are responsible for much of the crop.

Excess moisture can compromise wheat quality, prompting the government’s call for swift action during dry spells to safeguard the harvest.

“This record harvest reinforces our goal of self-sufficiency and paves the way for a more resilient agricultural sector,” said Prof. Jiri, noting that government-backed initiatives such as the Presidential Winter Wheat Scheme, the Agro-Yield Initiative, and the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Scheme have been essential.

The collaboration with private players, who contributed by planting wheat on an additional 25,000 hectares, has also been pivotal in achieving this year’s results.

Zimbabwe’s wheat sector has benefited from strategic planning and investment aimed at reducing its reliance on imports.

Last year, the country imported approximately 40,000 tonnes of wheat, an expense that authorities aim to minimize going forward. By increasing domestic production, Zimbabwe can potentially stabilize local flour prices, strengthening both food security and the economy.

According to industry experts, the increased yield could enable Zimbabwe to become a wheat supplier for neighboring countries in the Southern African region.

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe acknowledged the long-term benefits of this achievement, including reducing the nation’s import bill and stabilizing local flour prices, further enhancing economic resilience​.

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