1,3m ha of maize harvested 

Source: 1,3m ha of maize harvested – herald

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe has harvested 1 331 921 hectares of maize, a development that strengthens national food security.

The maize harvest reflects improved production across the country following favourable rains and sustained Government support to farmers under various agricultural programmes.

Sorghum harvesting has also progressed steadily, with 369 940 hectares harvested to date, accounting for 66 percent of weekly reports.

Harvesting of groundnuts and sunflower is currently underway in all provinces, while farmers have been urged to speed up soyabean harvesting to minimise field losses caused by shattering.

According to statistics from the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), 39 639 hectares of soyabean, equivalent to 86 percent of the planted area, has been harvested so far.

Authorities have also encouraged farmers to test moisture content before transporting grain to the Grain Marketing Board and other selling points to avoid incurring extra costs associated with high moisture levels. Farmers have further been advised to consult local Agricultural Business Advisory Officers (ABAOs) for drying services.

The positive harvest outlook follows sustained Government interventions under President Mnangagwa’s agricultural transformation agenda aimed at boosting production, improving household food security and enhancing farmer incomes.

Findings from the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report (CLAFA 2) for the 2025/26 summer season indicate that most districts, particularly in northern and western Zimbabwe, are expected to maintain cereal stocks for more than 12 months, signalling a surplus at national level.

“Based on this CLAFA 2 assessment, maize production increased by 2 percent, from 2.29 million tonnes in 2024/2025 to 2.35 million tonnes in 2025/2026. However, this overall growth masks significant provincial variations, with some provinces experiencing strong gains while others recorded sharp declines.

“Traditional grains are estimated at 390 272 tonnes, being sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet: 290 216 tonnes, 87 677 tonnes and 12 379 tonnes respectively. Total cereal production for the 2025/26 season is expected to be 2 739 712 tonnes. Cereals in farmers’ stocks from the 2024/25 season have been estimated at 136 902 tonnes, which gives total cereals available of 2 876 614 tonnes,” reads part of the report.

The national cereal balance sheet to March 2027, which factors in strategic grain reserves held by the GMB and current production, indicates an expected surplus ranging between 550 945 tonnes and 964 945 tonnes.

The agricultural sector recorded overall growth of five percent this season, driven by gains across several strategic crops.

Soyabean production surged by 129 percent from 41 919 tonnes in 2024/25 to 96 129 tonnes this season. Tobacco production is estimated at 378 322 tonnes, representing a seven percent increase from the previous season.

Zimbabwe is also maintaining momentum in wheat production after harvesting 562 591 tonnes last year and targeting more than 600 000 tonnes this season as part of efforts to consolidate wheat self-sufficiency.

Despite the positive national outlook, the report highlights regional disparities, with some districts in southern and eastern Zimbabwe projected to face cereal deficits.