ZIMBABWE’S winter wheat planting campaign has gathered momentum, with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority of Zimbabwe (Arda) targeting 325 000 tonnes from 65 000 hectares as the country pushes to consolidate national food security and build strategic grain reserves.
The national winter wheat programme is targeting 125 000 hectares this year, up from 122 142 hectares planted in 2025 when the country achieved a record 642 000 tonnes, far exceeding annual national requirements of between 350 000 and 450 000 tonnes.
For years, Zimbabwe relied heavily on wheat imports to bridge local production deficits. However, improved irrigation infrastructure, increased mechanisation and enhanced Government support have transformed winter wheat production into one of the country’s major agricultural success stories.
Mr Tino Mhiko
To date, farmers under Arda have planted 10 842 hectares against a target of 65 000 hectares.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Arda chief executive officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said preparations for the 2026 winter wheat season started early and planting progress was encouraging. “Wheat preparations started early in March and the first farmers to plant their crop did so in April. We have so far planted 10 842 hectares and we target to cut off planting and germination by 31 May.
“Arda is targeting to plant 65 000 hectares to produce 325 000 tonnes of wheat. The national wheat targeted hectarage is 125 000 hectares,” said Mr Mhiko.
To ensure uninterrupted production, Arda has engaged banks to provide financial guarantees that will allow farmers to quickly access funding for emergency repairs and replacement of critical equipment during the season.
Addressing concerns over electricity disruptions that have affected some farmers in previous seasons, Mr Mhiko said the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) had guaranteed Government that 155MW would be availed for the winter wheat programme.
“Farmers occasionally face operational challenges such as broken pumps and electricity interruptions during the winter wheat season. To mitigate these risks, Arda has adopted a whole-of-Government approach, working closely with Zinwa (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) and other relevant departments to ensure reliable water supply and timely technical support.
“In addition, Arda is coordinating with energy authorities to minimise disruptions and provide rapid response mechanisms when faults occur,” he said.
“To further strengthen resilience, Arda has engaged the banking sector to extend financial guarantees that will enable farmers to access funds for emergency repairs and replacement of equipment without delays.
This integrated support framework ensures that farmers are not left vulnerable to technical setbacks, safeguarding both productivity and the national food security agenda.”
Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity has improved significantly in recent months, averaging between 1 700MW and 1 800MW, largely due to improved water levels at Kariba Dam and ongoing upgrades at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Across the country, farmers are intensifying planting operations ahead of the 31 May deadline.
At Marsland Farm in Umguza, 21 hectares have already been planted under winter wheat production. The farm is owned by Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo.
Farm manager Mr Perculiar Moyo said another 24 hectares would be planted before the deadline.
“In total 45 hectares will be put under winter wheat cropping and so far 21 hectares have been planted. Inputs such as fertiliser and seeds have been secured for the remaining 24 hectares and we are rushing against time to plant the remainder of the fields before the end of the month.
“We are targeting above five tonnes per hectare and hopefully this season will be as good as the 2025 season where we did not experience major breakdowns of machinery and had an uninterrupted supply of water,” said Mr Moyo.
At Redwood Irrigation Scheme in Umguza, where 24 farmers operate a thriving farming cooperative, farmers are racing against time to harvest maize and prepare 18 hectares for winter wheat production before month end.
“Part of the field reserved for winter wheat still has a maize crop that is yet to be harvested. The maize moisture content has not reached the required rate so we have been told to hold off harvesting a little longer. We are, however, confident that we will be able to till the land in time and plant winter wheat before month end,” said Redwood Irrigation Scheme Mr Elias Ngwenya.
If the projected 662 000-tonne national target is achieved, Zimbabwe will further consolidate wheat self-sufficiency, strengthen strategic grain reserves and mark another milestone in the country’s agricultural transformation.
