Zimbabwe sets 600,000 tonne wheat target as planted area surpasses expectations
Farmers have planted over 122,142 hectares of wheat, exceeding the initial national target of 120,000 hectares.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s government has raised its wheat production target to 600,000 tonnes for the 2025 season following stronger-than-expected planting activity.
The new target was announced after wheat growers surpassed the national planting goal, putting the country on track to meet its growing demand for domestic grain.
According to Leonard Munamati, Chief Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, farmers have planted over 122,142 hectares of wheat, exceeding the initial national target of 120,000 hectares.
“We were targeting a minimum of 120,000 hectares and farmers managed to plant 122,142 hectares of wheat,” Munamati told NewsDay. “So what we want to advise farmers is now we have a new target produce, a minimum of 600,000 metric tonnes of wheat.”
The new production target is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence, particularly in the wake of global grain supply disruptions and price volatility.
Wheat, a key staple for Zimbabwe’s bakery and food sectors, has seen increased government and private sector attention in recent years. The country harvested around 468,000 tonnes in 2023, and the new target represents a nearly 30% increase.
Munamati urged farmers to implement best agronomic practices, including timely irrigation, proper fertiliser application, and rigorous pest and disease management, in order to maximise yields.
“We are prepared to assist in controlling pest infestation and any farmer who identifies issues should report to their nearest agro-tech officer,” he said.
However, Munamati cautioned that Zimbabwe is also navigating a livestock feed shortage due to last season’s El Niño-induced drought. He called on farmers to prioritise fodder preservation to mitigate the impacts of the lean season.
“We now find ourselves in a season where we must take care of our livestock,” Munamati said, highlighting that over 3.5 million hay bales have already been produced. “We encourage more farmers to cut grass and bale it.”
The government is promoting innovative feed methods, including the urea treatment of stover to enhance protein content, and is training extension officers and lead farmers to support its uptake.
Munamati also stressed the need to curb grass burning, especially during the current fire season, and advised that maize stalks and wheat straw from the upcoming harvest be repurposed as supplementary feed sources.
“Farmers have a responsibility to ensure their livestock gets adequate nutrition and water,” he said.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
