Zimbabwe maize output rises to 2.35m tonnes

Zimbabwe's maize production is projected to increase by 2% to 2.35 million tonnes in the 2025/26 season, up from 2.29 million tonnes last year, according to Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka.

Presenting a post-Cabinet update, Masuka said higher cereal output - covering maize, traditional grains, rice, sorghum and wheat—places the country on a stronger footing for national food security, despite expected localised shortfalls.

"There will be pockets of deficit in some wards and districts," he said, citing Beitbridge as one of the areas unlikely to meet annual grain requirements.

To address this, government plans to redistribute grain from surplus to deficit regions, supported by about 150,000 tonnes currently held in the Strategic Grain Reserve managed by the Grain Marketing Board.

Masuka added that improved supply levels should stabilise prices and enhance affordability.

"We expect rational pricing from millers. There is no shortage, and maize meal should remain available and accessible," he said, noting that increased output could push prices down over time.

On winter cropping, government is targeting 662,000 tonnes of wheat - above national demand - to build a buffer against climate-related shocks.

Masuka also revealed that dam levels are currently around 93.4% full, providing a critical cushion should adverse weather conditions, including a potential El Niño event, disrupt production.