Source: Government targets 600 000-tonne strategic grain reserve – herald
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is targeting to build a 600 000-tonne strategic grain reserve by October 2027, leveraging new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered silos and aggressive grain purchases from the 2025/26 summer season as well as the 2026 and 2027 winter production seasons.
The ambitious target is part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen national food security and build a substantial buffer against droughts and other climate-related shocks.
According to the latest Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) weekly update, the National Strategic Grain Reserve currently stands at about 256 790 tonnes, with Government working to significantly increase stocks over the coming year.
The update said harvesting of maize, soybean and traditional grains had been completed in all provinces, with verification now underway ahead of the Post-Harvest Survey.
The new AI-powered silos are expected to improve grain storage and management while supporting the Government’s drive to increase the country’s strategic reserves.
The latest stock figures show maize accounting for the bulk of the reserves at 140 633.42 tonnes, complemented by 12 817.76 tonnes of white sorghum, 35 196.57 tonnes of red sorghum, 1 214 tonnes of rapoko and 67 959.05 tonnes of strategic reserve wheat.
The update gives total strategic grain stocks at 259 224.07 tonnes, while the headline National Strategic Grain Reserve figure is reported separately at 256 789.987 tonnes, suggesting that the figures reflect different reporting or verification positions.
Meanwhile, mobilisation of the voluntary 10kg grain contribution from Pfumvudza/Intwasa beneficiaries is underway as the Government seeks to strengthen both household and national grain reserves.
Provinces, traditional leaders and Agricultural and Business Advisory Officers (ABAOs) are mobilising farmers and communicating designated Grain Marketing Board collection points during registration.
So far, 3 455.340 tonnes have been collected from the 5 445.340 tonnes mobilised.
Farmers are being sensitised that the 10kg contribution is a voluntary gesture of gratitude for Government support under the Presidential agricultural programmes.
The initiative is also intended to strengthen household food security, with farmers encouraged to retain sufficient grain to meet their own requirements.
The push to build the strategic reserve comes after Zimbabwe recorded a strong harvest during the 2025/26 agricultural season following favourable rainfall and increased Government support to farmers.
The Government is also focusing on maximising winter wheat production, with farmers being encouraged to adhere to Good Agricultural Practices, including proper nutrient management, timely weed control, efficient irrigation scheduling and effective pest and disease management.
“Harvesting of early-planted wheat is expected to commence within the next few weeks,” the update said.
The expanded strategic reserve will provide Zimbabwe with a larger buffer as Government prepares for future seasons that could be affected by drought and other extreme weather conditions.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Professor Obert Jiri said the Government was strengthening climate-smart agriculture, water harvesting and soil conservation to safeguard production.
“Irrigation infrastructure and fertilisers are useless if the seed placed in the soil cannot withstand thermal stress, optimise water-use efficiency or resist emerging pathogens,” Prof Jiri said.
The Government is targeting one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa this season as part of efforts to strengthen household food security under potentially drier conditions.
Prof Jiri said every household was expected to establish at least three Pfumvudza plots, with land preparation beginning while conditions remained dry.
The Government is also accelerating the development of climate-smart crop varieties capable of withstanding heat and moisture stress, ensuring that increased investment in agriculture translates into sustainable food production and stronger national reserves.
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