ZIMBABWE is projected to record a cereal surplus of about 456 937 tonnes by May 2026 despite a decline in total output compared to earlier estimates, according to the 2024-25 Post-Harvest Survey report.
The report jointly produced by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry,however, indicated that the country will require around 386 000 tonnes of cereals for human consumption and an additional 400 000 tonnes for livestock feed between September 2025 and May 2026.
The report noted that total cereal production reached 2,24 million metric tonnes during the 2024-25 agricultural season, compared to the 2,93 million tonnes projected under the April 2025 CLAFA-2 (Second Round of the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment in Zimbabwe for the 2024-2025 agricultural season) assessment.
“The survey results revealed that the total cereal production reached 2 242 937 metric tonnes, comprising 1 819 819 metric tonnes of maize, 288 344 metric tonnes of sorghum, 111 399 metric tonnes of pearl millet and 23 376 metric tonnes of finger millet,” the report stated.
It added that “about 1 064 510 metric tonnes of maize was in stock during the survey period, representing approximately 58,5% of the total maize production”.
Between April and September 2025, it further states, maize purchases recorded by the Grain Marketing Board, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange and other buyers amounted to 774 927 tonnes.
The survey noted that between April and August 2025, 279448 metric tonnes of maize were consumed, while the balance was attributed to sales and post-harvest losses.
It further highlighted that the maize in stock is expected to cover national requirements for the period September 2025 to May 2026, underlining a stable short-term food outlook.
- Thousands flee economic mess
- Disband RBZ: Hanke
- 40 000 enumerators threaten legal action
- Zimbos don't want to burden SA's health system
Keep Reading
The reports notes that livestock conditions also remained relatively strong across most provinces with about 73% of households with cattle reporting their animals to be in fair condition, while 25,3% describing them as good.
“The average trekking distance to the main water source was generally within a 3km radius, while natural veld and crop residues were reported as the major sources of cattle feed.”
In its recommendations, the report emphasised that the ministry should consider augmenting livestock cereal requirements by allowing the private sector to import grain while building the Strategic Grain Reserve from local production.
It also called for intensified promotion of traditional grains, enhanced research and development to boost productivity and greater investment in irrigation infrastructure.
The document noted that only 217 000 hectares of irrigable land are currently functional against a national target of 496 000 hectares, and encouraged private sector participation to bridge the gap.
The report further stressed the importance of improving post-harvest handling through better storage and logistics.
It stated that “improved storage technologies such as hermetic bags and metal silos can significantly reduce losses,” while better road networks would “facilitate faster transportation to markets and reduce damage to produce”.
It also underscored the need for climate-proofing agriculture through Pfumvudza/Intwasa and accelerated irrigation development to mitigate the impact of drought and climate shocks.
Looking ahead, the survey urged a change in mindset toward farming, noting that agriculture should be viewed as a business irrespective of scale, from household to corporate level.
It recommended further capacitation of farmers, Agritex business advisers, and value chain actors to strengthen production efficiency and competitiveness.
“Mobilise resources to support research and development initiatives that seek to boost productivity while maintaining the adaptive capacity of traditional grains.
“To mitigate post-harvest losses and improve the agricultural sector, several solutions and interventions can be implemented, (such as) improved storage technologies.
“Adopting modern storage solutions like hermetic storage bags and metal silos can significantly reduce losses. Hermetic storage bags prevent pest infestations and aflatoxin contamination, while metal silos provide better grain preservation.”
