‎Harare, (New Ziana)— Zimbabwe is poised for a strong agricultural performance in 2025, with the government projecting a grain surplus of between 812 000 and 1.2 million metric tons for the ongoing 2024–2025 summer crop marketing season, a Cabinet Minister said on Tuesday.

‎Speaking during a post Cabinet media briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said the optimism stems from robust support measures, a thriving commodities trading environment, and impressive growth in the major cash crops.

‎”Cabinet this week noted significant progress under the 2025 Winter Production Plan and provided a comprehensive update on the current summer crop marketing. ‎The Government reaffirmed its commitment to timely payment of farmers for grain deliveries, with resource allocations already in place to maintain momentum,” he said.

He said the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating agricultural trade, having so far processed 7 507 metric tons of cereals, oilseeds, and pulses.

Farmers are increasingly taking advantage of the Warehouse Receipt System, using it not only for secure storage, but also as collateral for financing and input swap programs, he said.

Muswere said the GMB has opened agro-shops at all 88 depots across the country, where consignment stock is available for farmers to purchase inputs using grain sale proceeds or ZMX warehouse receipts.

“‎As of 24 July 2025, approximately 25.3 million kilograms of cotton, valued at US$7.7 million, had been marketed to 6 active contractors, compared to 13.3 million kilograms in 2024. Most contractors are paying cash on the spot, while others are using electronic transfers,” he said, adding that payments are being made swiftly, with most contractors paying cash on the spot and others utilising electronic transfers.

‎Tobacco sales have reached an impressive 348.5 million kilograms, up from 228.9 million kilograms in 2024, a growth Muswere said has driven the total revenue past US$1.16 billion, a substantial rise from US$785.3 million last year.

‎He said the strong outlook for tobacco is set to continue, with seed sales up 46 percent, over 1 million grams sold this year, covering 212 377 hectares, compared to 727 000 grams and 145 321 hectares in 2024, suggesting that the 2025–2026 season may set new production records.

‎Winter cropping is also well on course, with 122 897 hectares of wheat, 6 115 hectares of barley, and 4 708 hectares of potatoes planted nationwide, said Muswere, adding the government is closely monitoring all productivity enablers to ensure the targeted 875 000 metric tons of combined output is met, he said.

‎”The continued positive trajectory in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector points to growing resilience and investor confidence. ‎Through a combination of modern trading systems, financial innovation, and robust Government support, the country is moving steadily towards both food security and agricultural profitability,” said Muswere.

New Ziana