• Record Wheat Harvest: Reached 563,961 metric tonnes, surpassing the previous year's total
• Reduced Reliance on Imports: Which have totalled US$427.18 million from 2021 to date
• Government anticipates agriculture sector to grow to a US$13.75 billion industry by 2025

Harare- Zimbabwe's agricultural sector has achieved a landmark milestone, with the country's wheat harvest reaching an unprecedented 563,961 metric tons (MT) as of the latest update.

This is according to the post-cabinet briefing held on the 10^th of December 2024. The new record, in 10 months surpasses the previous year's total in 12 months of 465,548 MT, representing a 21% year-over-year (YoY) increase.

Zimbabwe's domestic demand for wheat stands at 360,000 tonnes per annum.

Wheat is a vital crop in Zimbabwe, playing a crucial role in the country's food security and economy. As a staple food, Zimbabwe relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic demand.

The National Bakeries Association of Zimbabwe reports that the country produces between 1.5 million to 1.8 million loaves of bread per day. Wheat flour is also importat in making biscuits and baking cakes and the likes. 

Government is optimistic about the growth prospects of the agriculture sector, anticipating it to balloon to a US$13.75 billion industry by 2025.

This projection is premised on the sector's impressive performance in 2021, when it surpassed its initial target of US$8.2 billion, driven by enhanced productivity and production across all sub-sectors.

The sector achieved an average growth rate of 6% in 2021, and this year, it is expected to register an even a more better growth rate of 9.7%.

The government's optimism about the agriculture sector's growth prospects is commendable, but it is essential to acknowledge the unique circumstances that contributed to the performance in 2021.

It is crucial to note that the 2021 season was characterized by favorable weather conditions, with no devastating droughts.

Inputs were distributed early, and electricity supply was relatively stable, unlike the current challenges where for instance by November, government owed over US$300 million to local seed-houses delaying inputs distribution.

 It remains elusive for the sector to replicate this performance amidst the current challenges, making the projected US$13.75 billion target by 2025 somewhat ambitious.

Zimbabwe's wheat production has been on an upward trend over the years. In 2020, the country produced 95,000 tonnes of wheat.

However, the following year saw a significant increase in production, with 213,000 tonnes of wheat being produced. This upward trend continued in 2022, with a record high of 230,000 tonnes of wheat being produced.

The country achieved another record high in 2023, with 465,548 tonnes of wheat being produced. This trend has continued in 2024, with a new record high of 563,961 tonnes of wheat being produced.

Despite the increase in domestic production, Zimbabwe's wheat imports have been substantial over the years. In 2021, the country imported wheat valued at US$80.61 million. The following year, imports increased to US$100.60 million.

In 2023, wheat imports surged to US$124.53 million. As of October 2024, Zimbabwe's wheat imports for the year have already reached US$121.43 million, with two months still remaining in the year.

The total wheat imports from 2021 to October 2024 amount to US$427.18 million. This substantial expenditure on wheat imports reflects  the need for Zimbabwe to increase its domestic wheat production and reduce its reliance on imports.

The increased production in 2024 is likely to reduce Zimbabwe's reliance on wheat imports. As production increases, Zimbabwe may become a significant exporter of wheat. The country has already started exporting wheat, with US$15.35 thousand worth of exports in 2022 and US$120.39 thousand worth of exports in 2023.

From 2021 to date, Zimbabwe's wheat imports have totaled US$427.18 million, while exports have totaled US$208.78 thousand.

Zimbabwe's wheat production has seen significant year-on-year increases. From 2020 to 2021, production increased by 124%, from 95,000 tonnes to 213,000 tonnes. The following year, production increased by 8%, from 213,000 tonnes to 230,000 tonnes.

In 2023, production saw a remarkable 103% increase, from 230,000 tonnes to 465,548 tonnes. This upward trend has continued in 2024, with a 21% increase in production, from 465,548 tonnes to 563,961 tonnes.

These increases demonstrate Zimbabwe's growing capacity to produce wheat and its potential to become a significant player in the global wheat market.

Looking ahead, the 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to significantly increase cereal production to 3,274,200 MT, representing a substantial increase from the 744,271 MT achieved during the 2023/2024 summer season.

The overall production volumes of major crops are expected to surge by 347% to over 4 million MT. Key production targets include cereals at 3.3 million MT and pulses at 819,500 MT.

This ambitious plan is expected to further reduce Zimbabwe's reliance on imports and position the country as a major player in regional and global agricultural markets.

To boost wheat production, Zimbabwe needs to continue investing in irrigation infrastructure to ensure a stable water supply, especially during dry spells.

This, with Seed Co, the country’s largest seed-house consistently introducing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties suitable for Zimbabwe's climate can significantly improve production. The use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, as well as conservation agriculture practices, can also improve soil health and increase productivity.

At the same time, farmers need to buttress the adoption of modern farming technologies, such as precision agriculture and mechanized farming to increase efficiency and productivity.

This will go in-line with providing farmers with training and extension services that will also improve their knowledge and skills in wheat production. After all this, government should consider creating and maintaining stable and competitive markets for wheat producers to ensure fair prices and incentives for production.

Wheat is a vital crop in Zimbabwe, playing a crucial role in the country's food security and economy. As a staple food, Zimbabwe relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic demand. Increasing wheat production can help reduce reliance on imports, save foreign currency, and improve food security.

Zimbabwe's high-altitude regions provide suitable climate conditions for wheat production. The ideal climate conditions for wheat production include cool temperatures, adequate moisture, and a well-defined growing season.

Temperatures between 15°C and 25°C are ideal, while average annual rainfall of 600-800 mm is suitable. Regions with these climate conditions, such as Nyanga, Mutasa, and Chimanimani, are well-suited for wheat production in Zimbabwe.

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