Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector continues to post strong performance indicators, as Cabinet received an encouraging update on the 2024–2025 summer crops marketing season, coupled with a robust outlook for the 2025 winter wheat production programme. At the heart of this development is a projected national grain reserve of approximately 3.01 million metric tonnes, consisting of an anticipated harvest of 2.93 million metric tonnes and existing reserves of 83 526 metric tonnes. This figure far surpasses the country’s annual grain requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes, marking a major surplus.
This surplus is especially significant when evaluated against regional and national consumption averages. Based on Zimbabwe’s national grain consumption rate of 7.7 kilogrammes per person per month, or 8.5 kilogrammes in line with the SADC regional average, the surplus reflects the tangible benefits of the Second Republic’s transformation programme.
As part of continued efforts to support agriculture, government has committed to resource mobilisation for the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to ensure timely payments to farmers. Grain marketing remains decentralised, taking place through the GMB, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), direct sales to agro-processors, and the Warehouse Receipt System. So far in 2025, the system has handled over 4 000 metric tonnes of cereals, oilseeds, and pulses.
In the tobacco sector, marketing has exceeded expectations, with total sales crossing the 300 million-kilogramme mark, surpassing the 209 million kilograms recorded in 2024. Although the average price slightly declined from US$3.45 to US$3.36 per kilogramme, total earnings have surged to over US$1.04 billion. This performance aligns with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which targets long-term sustainability and value addition.
On the winter wheat front, more than 122 142 hectares have already been planted, putting the country on track to meet the 2025 target of 600 000 metric tonnes. In barley production, 6 115 hectares have been planted, representing 94.1% of the 6 500-hectare target. Similarly, potato farming has reached 4 512 hectares, over half of the 8 750-hectare target.
Cotton marketing officially commenced on June 9, adding further momentum to an agricultural season marked by growth and strategic coordination. Across the board, these figures underscore Zimbabwe’s commitment to building food security, stabilising agricultural value chains, and driving economic growth through smart farming practices, innovation, and inclusive marketing platforms.
