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Zimbabwe projects bumper harvest
7 hrs ago |
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Zimbabwe is projecting a strong 2025/2026 agricultural season, but outstanding payments to farmers continue to reflect liquidity pressures across the sector.
According to Cabinet notes, the government has approved an update on the 2025/2026 Summer Crops Marketing and the 2026 Winter Crop Production Plan, with projected cereal output estimated at 2,740,272 metric tonnes. This includes maize, sorghum and traditional grains.
Grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board currently stand at 158,853 metric tonnes, reflecting ongoing stock management ahead of increased production expectations.
However, payment arrears to farmers remain a concern. As of April 24, 2026, the GMB had settled 88.26 percent of its US dollar obligations and 82.73 percent of ZiG payments. Outstanding amounts include US$4,309,966.02 and ZiG61,864,791.66 still owed to farmers.
The backlog highlights continuing liquidity constraints within agricultural financing and grain procurement systems, even as production outlook improves.
In the tobacco sector, Cabinet reported strong performance, with 149.9 million kilograms sold by day 34 of the marketing season at an average price of US$2.65 per kg. Exports reached 83 million kilograms valued at US$545 million, marking a 66 percent increase in export volume.
Government said it continues to monitor pricing to ensure farmers receive fair returns for their output.
For the upcoming winter cropping season, authorities have set ambitious targets. The plan aims to plant 140,500 hectares of wheat, barley and Irish potatoes, targeting a combined output of 956,350 metric tonnes.
Wheat remains the dominant focus, with 125,000 hectares expected to yield about 662,500 metric tonnes. Barley is set at 6,500 hectares, while Irish potatoes will cover 9,000 hectares with an estimated output of 243,850 metric tonnes.
While production targets signal optimism for food security and export earnings, delayed farmer payments continue to underscore financial pressures within the agricultural value chain.
According to Cabinet notes, the government has approved an update on the 2025/2026 Summer Crops Marketing and the 2026 Winter Crop Production Plan, with projected cereal output estimated at 2,740,272 metric tonnes. This includes maize, sorghum and traditional grains.
Grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board currently stand at 158,853 metric tonnes, reflecting ongoing stock management ahead of increased production expectations.
However, payment arrears to farmers remain a concern. As of April 24, 2026, the GMB had settled 88.26 percent of its US dollar obligations and 82.73 percent of ZiG payments. Outstanding amounts include US$4,309,966.02 and ZiG61,864,791.66 still owed to farmers.
The backlog highlights continuing liquidity constraints within agricultural financing and grain procurement systems, even as production outlook improves.
In the tobacco sector, Cabinet reported strong performance, with 149.9 million kilograms sold by day 34 of the marketing season at an average price of US$2.65 per kg. Exports reached 83 million kilograms valued at US$545 million, marking a 66 percent increase in export volume.
Government said it continues to monitor pricing to ensure farmers receive fair returns for their output.
For the upcoming winter cropping season, authorities have set ambitious targets. The plan aims to plant 140,500 hectares of wheat, barley and Irish potatoes, targeting a combined output of 956,350 metric tonnes.
Wheat remains the dominant focus, with 125,000 hectares expected to yield about 662,500 metric tonnes. Barley is set at 6,500 hectares, while Irish potatoes will cover 9,000 hectares with an estimated output of 243,850 metric tonnes.
While production targets signal optimism for food security and export earnings, delayed farmer payments continue to underscore financial pressures within the agricultural value chain.
Source - online
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