Zimbabwe Achieves Record Wheat Harvest Of 578,059 Tonnes

Zimbabwe has recorded its highest-ever wheat output, harvesting 578,059 metric tonnes during the 2025 winter season.

This milestone not only surpasses last year’s record but also exceeds the country’s annual wheat requirement.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka hailed the achievement, describing it as evidence of Zimbabwe’s strengthened agricultural capacity and progress towards food self-sufficiency.

With this accomplishment, Zimbabwe now joins Ethiopia as one of only two African countries to achieve full wheat self-sufficiency. Said Masuka:

“From a modest volume of 94,685 metric tonnes in 2019, to 562,091 metric tonnes in 2024, Zimbabwe is only one of two jurisdictions on the African continent that have become wheat self-sufficient.”

Masuka added that this year’s production has already exceeded the national annual requirement, estimated at 360,000 metric tonnes.

With domestic needs fully met, Zimbabwe is now exploring export opportunities within the region, particularly to neighbouring countries still facing wheat shortages.

Despite the surplus, the country will continue to import limited quantities of high-gluten wheat, which some millers prefer for specific bread formulations. Said Masuka:

“Certain millers have indicated that their mills and bread styles require high gluten content wheat not achievable in locally produced wheat.”

Masuka said that, in line with current policy, these imports will proceed under existing arrangements without incurring extra costs.

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