Zimbabwe is heading toward another strong agricultural season, with Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka expressing confidence that the country will produce just under one million metric tons of crops as harvest assessments intensify.
By Advent Shoko
Speaking on the latest national agricultural outlook, Masuka said the country is also targeting a substantial winter wheat harvest of 662,000 metric tons from 125,000 hectares, a figure that could once again push Zimbabwe into surplus territory. Said Masuka:
“I can assure you that as we go into winter, we are going to produce just under a million metric tons of crops.”
The projected wheat output is significantly above the country’s estimated commercial requirement of between 400,000 and 450,000 metric tons of soft wheat, raising hopes for strengthened national food security and increased reserves.
According to the minister, the expected excess grain will be channelled into the Strategic Grain Reserve, adding to anticipated yields from the summer cropping season. He said:
“That means we will have another surplus that will go into the strategic grain reserve, in addition to what we anticipate from summer.”
From an agribusiness perspective, the outlook points to improved domestic supply, reduced import pressure, and stronger market confidence for millers, grain traders, and downstream food industries.
Masuka revealed that the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency-led all-of-government crop, livestock and fisheries assessment teams are currently in the field, with a full quantitative and qualitative harvest report expected by 10 April.
Early figures show that land put under cereals has reached 2.5 million hectares, which is 3 percent above last year’s total. The minister said:
“We certainly think that we will have enough to feed this nation.”
On water security, Masuka said national dam levels are sitting above 93 percent, providing strong support for winter wheat production, particularly as more than 60 percent of the crop depends on major dams.
While expressing confidence overall, he acknowledged concern over lower water levels in selected dams in Mashonaland Central, including Mazowe, which is reportedly below 15 percent.
However, he said the shortfall is being offset by strong rainfall performance in other provinces, especially in the southern and western regions where dams and lakes are reportedly overflowing.
The latest outlook offers both a governance and economic boost, as food security remains central to Zimbabwe’s fiscal stability, rural livelihoods, and inflation management heading into winter and the next summer season.
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