Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has sufficient grain at the national level, although there is a likelihood that some areas will experience localized shortages. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.
“The government of Zimbabwe, using various consumption scenarios, has established that there is adequate grain at the national level, although localized shortages will be experienced in some areas.
“The Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT)’s post-harvest survey of 25th September 2025 established that some 1 311 340 metric tons (MT) of grains, made up of 1 064 510 MT of maize and 264 830 MT of traditional grains, are being held by farmers. A total of 943 075 MT of grain valued at US$367 415 622 was marketed through various off-takers. Government will continue releasing funds for outstanding payments to farmers for grain delivered,” he said.
Dr Muswere also announced that the harvesting of winter wheat is well underway, with 57.6 percent of the planted wheat having been harvested. A total of 27 796 MT of barley have been harvested at an average yield of 7.6 MT/ha, while a total of 5 977 hectares of Irish potato have been planted, against a target of 9 000 ha. He said there was an improved yield of 28MT per hectare, compared to 26 MT per hectare achieved last year.
“Regarding the summer 2025/2026 crop production, the aim is to produce enough food to feed the nation, replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve, and increase exports. For cereals, a total of 2 609 000 hectares are targeted to produce 3 207 000 MT of grain. Preparations for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme are ongoing, with 9 190 655 plots having been prepared already. Regarding tobacco, a total of 21 773 hectares have been planted to tobacco, marking a 29 percent increase,” he added.
Giving an update on veld fires management, Dr Muswere said US$1.4 million worth of property had been lost to veld fires, whose 211 incidences reported during the week of 10 October this year destroyed 76 940.61 hectares, compared to 49 745.83 hectares burnt during the same period the previous year.
“The high fire incidences reported this year are attributed to increased windy conditions experienced during the week. Three lives have been lost to the veld fires recorded to date, and property valued at over US$1 454 850 comprising agricultural equipment, tourism facilities, and household property has been destroyed.
“These veld fires have been prevalent mainly in the provinces of Mashonaland West (46.06 percent), Mashonaland East (14.97 percent), and Mashonaland Central (14.73 percent). Government convened 177 fire awareness meetings during the week ending 10th October 2025, which were attended by 30 688 people.”
Cabinet advised farmers to ensure they have appropriate fire suppression measures, fire-fighting equipment, and teams to fight the veld fires. Farmers were further urged to use appropriate land preparation tools other than fire during this fire restriction period as the government takes steps to enforce the relevant penalties for non-adherence to regulations against veld fires.
New Ziana
