Harare, (New Ziana) – As the transformational agenda of the Second Republic continues to bear fruit, the nation is projected to record a grain surplus of approximately 812 000 metric tonnes, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.
Addressing a post cabinet media briefing, the minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said the projection is based on an anticipated cereal reserve of 3.01 million metric tonnes comprising an expected harvest of 2 928 206 metric tonnes and an existing reserve of 83 526 metric tonnes, against an annual grain requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes.
“As the transformational programme of the Second Republic continue to bear fruit, the nation is projected to record a grain surplus of approximately 812 000 metric tonnes. This projection is based on an anticipated cereal reserve of 3.01 million metric tonnes comprising an expected harvest of 2 928 206 metric tonnes and an existing reserve of 83 526 metric tonnes, against an annual grain requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes,” Muswere said.
He said in order to ensure optimal support to the agricultural sector, resources will continue to be availed to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to facilitate timeous payments for grain deliveries by farmers.
Muswere said grain marketing will also continue to be conducted through multiple channels, including the GMB, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), and direct sales to various agro-processors.
“Grain marketing will also continue to be conducted through multiple channels, including the GMB, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), and direct sales to various agro-processors. In addition, the Warehouse Receipt System is active, with a 2025 intake of 4 000 metric tonnes of cereals, oilseeds, and pulses realized to date,” he said.
In tobacco marketing, Muswere said a significant milestone has been achieved, with total sales surpassing the 300 million-kilogramme target set under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan to reach 309 120 966 kilogrammes, which represents a 45.65 percent increase in volume, compared to the 209 million kilogrammes sold in 2024, and sales are still ongoing.
Although the average price has slightly decreased from $3.45 to $3.36 per kilogramme, the total value of sales has surged to over $1.04 billion, up from the $721 million attained in 2024, he said. Regarding wheat production, over 122 142 hectares have been planted to date, exceeding the initial target of 120 000 hectares.
Government continues to monitor key enablers to guarantee the achievement of an anticipated production of 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat from the 2025 season. Currently, barley planting stands at 6 115 hectares, achieving 94.1 percent of the 6 500-hectare target.
Meanwhile, 4 512 hectares of potatoes have been planted, against a target of 8 750 hectares.
New Ziana
