By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
HARARE – Zimbabwe is on course for its second consecutive record-breaking winter wheat harvest, with farmers across the country surpassing the 120,000-hectare target set for the 2025 winter cropping season.
Preliminary reports received on Monday indicate that the extended planting window, which closed on June 15, saw hectarage exceed initial projections, signaling a significant boost in the nation’s wheat production efforts.
This achievement highlights the success of deliberate government policies under the Second Republic, coupled with the unwavering commitment of local farmers to enhance national food security.
The surge in wheat hectarage is expected to translate into a historic output, with the country now aiming for a total wheat yield of approximately 600,000 metric tonnes this season.
“We are pleased to confirm that more than 120,000 hectares of wheat have been planted countrywide. Our technical teams are finalising verification, but initial assessments suggest an increase from last year’s planted area,” Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, stated.
Minister Masuka praised farmers for their resilience and proactive response to the government’s call to scale up wheat production.
“The credit goes to our hardworking farmers for their resilience and commitment to returning to the land. Their efforts are central to our thrust towards sustainable food self-sufficiency,” he added.
With the planting window now closed, authorities are encouraging farmers to focus on maintaining optimal agronomic practices to ensure high yields. Minister Masuka also issued a warning to monitor for pests, particularly quelea birds, which pose a threat to the crop.
“Those with early planted wheat must be vigilant against the threat of quelea birds and report any outbreaks to relevant authorities for prompt response,” he urged.
A recent nationwide tour of wheat-growing regions by Minister Masuka revealed high expectations, with yield averages anticipated to exceed five tonnes per hectare. This ambitious growth is a testament to Zimbabwe’s ongoing agricultural transformation, driven by mechanisation, input support schemes, and the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices.
As Zimbabwe moves closer to achieving its wheat production goals, the country’s agricultural sector is demonstrating resilience and innovation, positioning the nation for greater self-sufficiency and food security in the coming years.