• Zimbabwe forecasts record 600,000+ tons wheat harvest in 2025
• Cultivated area expanded to 122,000 hectares, boosting output
• Surplus to enable exports to Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania

Zimbabwe's wheat harvest is projected to exceed 600,000 tons for the 2024/2025 season, according to the latest forecasts from the Ministry of Agriculture. If realized, this would represent a 6% increase from the previous year's 563,961 tons and set a new production record for the sector.

Authorities say an additional 2,000 hectares were planted with wheat this season, bringing the total cultivated area to 122,000 hectares. "This year’s crop is promising. Farmers have been adhering to agronomic guidelines and with continued collaboration from government and stakeholders, we are confident of surpassing last year’s milestone," said Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. His comments were reported by the local newspaper, The Herald, on Thursday, September 18.

With Zimbabwe's annual wheat consumption estimated at 360,000 tons, the projected 2025 harvest is expected to create a surplus of nearly 240,000 tons for export. According to Agriculture Minister Anxious Jongwe Masuka, negotiations are underway with Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania to export part of the crop.

Stéphanas Assocle