Zimbabwe’s wheat harvest exceeds 670 thsd tons

Zimbabwe harvested a record wheat crop in 2026, with production reaching 671 thsd tons as of November 4. This is approximately 31 thsd tons, or 4.8%, above the previous record of 640 thsd tons set last year. Higher production strengthens the country’s wheat self-sufficiency and allows it to build additional grain stocks ahead of the 2026/27 summer cropping season, which could be negatively affected by El Niño.

According to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Agriculture, wheat had been harvested from 127.5 thsd ha by early November, representing approximately 98% of the total planted area of 130.3 thsd ha. Average yields reached 5.3 tons/ha. The largest production volumes were recorded in Mashonaland West at 217.3 thsd tons, Mashonaland Central at 143.2 thsd tons and Mashonaland East at 131.9 thsd tons. The government plans to verify final production figures after harvesting is completed.

Favorable weather conditions, stable electricity and water supplies, and sufficient agricultural machinery contributed to the strong harvest results. State-owned and institutional farms, including those operated by universities, military institutions and correctional facilities, are also playing an important role in expanding wheat production. These institutions use part of their harvest for their own needs, processing grain into flour and bread, while delivering surplus wheat to state grain procurement agencies.

The record harvest will allow Zimbabwe to strengthen its Strategic Grain Reserve. The government plans to increase stocks to 450 thsd tons by December 2026 and to 600 thsd tons by October 2027. Building up reserves is intended to ensure more stable domestic grain supplies and reduce the risk of food shortages if unfavorable weather conditions affect production during the next cropping season.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe continues to import certain types of high-quality hard wheat required for premium bread production. The government is considering directing surplus domestic wheat remaining after meeting local demand and strategic reserve requirements to the animal feed industry. Revenue from selling this grain could help finance imports of high-quality wheat, reducing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange resources while supporting domestic processing.

Tags: wheat, Zimbabwe