Harare ,(New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has this year achieved another record-breaking wheat harvest in the winter cropping season, cementing its position as one of the only two African nations, together with Ethiopia, to attain self-sufficiency.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka said this in a press statement on Tuesday.
He said a total of 578 059 metric tons of wheat have already been harvested from 110 543 hectares surpassing last year’s record of 562 091 tons.
An additional 12 023 hectares remain to be harvested by the first week of November, which is expected to push the final output even higher. The total planted area this season was 122 566 hectares representing a 511 percent increase in production since 2019, when the country produced just 94 685 metric tons.
“This is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Dr E D. Mnangagwa,” Dr Masuka said, adding that the accomplishment reflects the success of the government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He said with the current output exceeding the national annual wheat requirement of about 360 000 metric tons, Zimbabwe is now exploring export opportunities within the region and beyond.
“Zimbabwe is currently seeking export markets for its wheat,” he said, underscoring the country’s transition from a wheat importer to a potential net exporter.
Despite the surplus, Dr Masuka confirmed that some limited imports would continue to cater for specific milling and baking requirements as certain millers have indicated a preference for higher gluten content wheat, which is not produced locally.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of wheat and its products, in line with the Agriculture, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation Strategy, with the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in recent weeks releasing 6 518 metric tons of wheat to millers to stabilize supply and maintain price stability.
“The current wheat product price stability is partially attributable to this timely intervention, and this must continue,” he noted.
Dr Masuka also encouraged registered millers operating under the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act to approach the government for assistance in securing wheat supplies, as part of efforts to sustain the momentum achieved in balancing supply and demand.
Masuka further congratulated the 16 362 farmers who participated in the 2025 wheat season, praising their dedication and the collaborative approach adopted across the sector, crediting the “productive, inclusive, and participatory whole-of-sector approach” introduced under the Second Republic for the remarkable growth witnessed in wheat production.
“This coalition of forward-looking Zimbabweans, for progress, will always be triumphant,” he declared.
Zimbabwe’s wheat success story marks a significant milestone in its agricultural recovery efforts, transforming the country from a perennial importer into a regional player capable of contributing to food security beyond its borders.
New Ziana
