Harare, (New Ziana) The Zimbabwe government is optimistic about the 2025/26 summer cropping season, citing healthy strategic grain reserves, expanded plantings across key crops, improved funding flows to farmers and favourable rainfall prospects, as the country positions itself for enhanced food security and agricultural growth.
Addressing the media in Harare on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet had received and noted an update on the 2025/26 Summer Crops Production Plan, which shows encouraging progress across the agricultural landscape.
“The Strategic Grain Stock currently held by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stands at 187 245 metric tons, of which 113 751 metric tons is wheat, with the remainder made up of maize and traditional grains,” he said.
He noted the central role that the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is playing, which, as the country’s food security agent, has contributed 84.8 percent of the marketed grain to date.
In terms of financing, the summer cropping season is being supported by ZiG73 million and US$313.933 million.
The GMB has already paid farmers US$22 384 053.16 for grain deliveries, with weekly payments continuing as the government works to clear outstanding balances, a move Dr Muswere said underscores the commitment of authorities to sustaining farmer viability and confidence.
On crop performance, Dr Muswere said the First Round of the Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment being conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency (ZIMSTAT), is currently underway.
“While final area figures are yet to be released, preliminary assessments indicate that crop conditions are good across all provinces. This positive outlook is further reinforced by the Meteorological Services Department’s forecast of normal to above-normal rainfall for the remainder of the season,” he said, adding Cabinet was also briefed on significant expansion in maize production.
A total of 1 900 709 hectares has been set aside for maize in the 2025/26 season, up from 1 463 465 hectares in the previous season, representing a 30 percent increase.
ARDA has so far planted 101 230 hectares, comprising 34 752 hectares under maize and 66 478 hectares under sorghum.
The adoption of climate-smart agriculture continues to gain momentum, with provinces registering a combined 15 967 155 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots during the current season, compared to 10 817 408 plots last season, a notable 48 percent increase.
The conservation agriculture program remains a key pillar in Government efforts to boost productivity, climate resilience and household food security.
Tobacco production has also shown strong growth with a total of 164 536 hectares having been planted under the crop, reflecting a 15 percent increase from the 143 025 hectares planted during the same period last year.
Dr Muswere said crop conditions are good and the country is on course for another record tobacco harvest.
Export performance has mirrored the positive trend, with tobacco exports rising sharply to 42.139 million kilograms, compared to 19.891 million kilograms exported at the same time in 2025, signaling improved output and stronger foreign currency earnings.
Overall, Cabinet said the combined improvements in funding, acreage, climate-smart practices and weather conditions point to a solid agricultural season ahead, reinforcing national food security and contributing to broader economic stability.
New Ziana
