Zimbabwe has achieved a new national wheat production record, with the 2026 harvest reaching 670,981 tonnes by November 4, surpassing the previous record of 640,195 tonnes recorded in 2025 by approximately 4.8%.

According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture reported by local newspaper The Herald, approximately 98% of the country’s planted wheat area had been harvested by November 4, suggesting that final production could increase further as harvesting operations are completed.

The latest performance strengthens Zimbabwe’s position among Southern Africa’s leading wheat producers and reflects continued investment in agricultural production, irrigation infrastructure and mechanisation.

Expanded wheat cultivation drives record harvest

The increase in production was largely driven by an expansion in cultivated area, with farmers planting 130,316 hectares in 2026, compared with 122,566 hectares in the previous season.

This represents a 6.3% increase in planted area and exceeds the government’s initial target of 125,000 hectares by more than 5,000 hectares.

Improved access to essential agricultural resources also contributed to the successful season.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Shadreck Makombe told The Herald that farmers benefited from reliable electricity and water supplies, as well as improved availability of tractors and combine harvesters.

These improvements helped sustain farming operations and supported more efficient harvesting across the country.

Rising wheat consumption increases demand

The record harvest comes as domestic wheat consumption continues to increase, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences.

Figures from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) show that national wheat consumption increased from 489,402 tonnes in the 2022/23 marketing year to 605,183 tonnes in 2024/25, representing growth of approximately 24%.

Growing demand for bread, pasta and noodles has contributed to the increased consumption.

Agricultural economist Reneth Mano previously projected that Zimbabwe’s national wheat requirements could approach 650,000 tonnes during the 2025/26 season.

The latest production figures therefore represent an important development for domestic supply security, potentially reducing the country’s reliance on imported wheat while supporting local milling and food processing industries.

Government targets 600,000 tonnes in strategic grain reserves

Alongside improving domestic wheat production, Zimbabwe is working to strengthen its national grain reserves against potential drought risks associated with El Niño during the 2026/27 agricultural season.

The government has set a target of accumulating 600,000 tonnes of strategic grain reserves by October 2027.

Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka estimated in early November that national grain stocks had reached 352,000 tonnes, up from 264,925 tonnes recorded in September.

The September inventory included 67,861 tonnes of wheat and 145,883 tonnes of maize.

The government’s reserve-building strategy is intended to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to potential production shortfalls and protect national food supplies against adverse weather conditions.

Record production strengthens food security prospects

Zimbabwe’s latest wheat harvest marks significant progress in strengthening domestic agricultural production and reducing exposure to international grain supply disruptions.

Higher output could also create opportunities for the country’s milling and food processing industries through improved availability of locally produced wheat.

However, authorities will need to balance growing domestic consumption with the accumulation of strategic reserves and the potential commercialisation of any exportable surplus.

With wheat demand continuing to rise, sustaining production growth through reliable irrigation, improved mechanisation and access to agricultural inputs will remain important to maintaining Zimbabwe’s progress towards greater food security.