ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s wheat harvest has soared to a record-breaking 560,000 tonnes (T) this year, surpassing last year’s high of 467,905 tonnes (T).
This achievement marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking winter wheat production, positioning Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s few wheat self-sufficient nations, alongside Ethiopia.
The country’s annual wheat demand of 360,000 tonnes ensures a surplus, further cementing its strides towards reclaiming its breadbasket status in the region.
Commenting on the record, Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, confirmed that the harvesting phase is complete, and final figures will soon be announced.
“The season was not bad,” he remarked, hinting at the success of this year’s efforts despite narrowly missing the 600,000-tonne target.
The government’s investment in agricultural mechanisation has been instrumental in achieving these results.
Engineer Edwin Zimunga, Chief Director for Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation, credited the deployment of over 14,000 tractors and 300 combine harvesters across the country as game-changers.
“Setting new records has become part of our DNA.Our farmers have truly embraced the call to enhance food security. Government initiatives are clearly paying off,” Engineer Zimunga stated.
Mechanisation hubs across 22 regions provided critical support to farmers, boosting productivity and efficiency throughout the season.
The bumper harvest is expected to stabilize local wheat prices and bring relief to consumers. Flour, a vital ingredient in staple foods such as bread, pasta, and pastries, is now readily available, ensuring affordability across the market.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) chief executive officer Rosemary Mpofu highlighted the broader benefits of surplus wheat production.
“We can significantly benefit from stable prices for wheat and related products. Excess wheat can also be exported, generating foreign currency to boost our economy,” she said.
Retailers have been urged to maintain compliance with monetary and fiscal regulations to keep prices affordable. Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Denford Mutashu emphasized that speculative pricing must be avoided to maximize consumer benefits.
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.
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