FINANCE, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion minister Mthuli Ncube says the agriculture sector grew by 73,9% to a US$10,3 billion industry in 2025, attributed to better rainfall patterns.
The growth comes on the back of a troubling 2023/24 agricultural season, which was categorised as an El Niño-induced drought.
In an economic update presented during the Zanu PF's National People’s Conference which ended last week, Ncube said tobacco, wheat, blueberry, and livestock production recoveries supported the growth of the agriculture sector.
“The agriculture sector grew from US$5,6 billion to a US$10,3 billion industry in 2025, a 73,9% increase. Food security at the household level increased from 44% to 85% in 2025, attributable to Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme and irrigation advancements,” he said.
“Except for drought years, agricultural growth has maintained an upward growth trajectory. Wheat production has increased every year – Zimbabwe now produces wheat sufficient for our bread requirements. Tobacco production increased to a record 355 million kg, worth US$1,17 billion in 2025, from US$216 million in 2017.”
He added that blueberry production hit a record high of 8 million kilogrammes, a 351% increase from 2017 when the first commercial exports were made.
“The country achieved a record-breaking tobacco output of 355 million kg in 2025, representing a cumulative growth of 86,8% in volume terms from 190 million kg recorded in 2018. This production generated over US$1,2 billion in revenue, with China being the largest importer,” Ncube said.
“This record-breaking output was driven by several favourable factors, including a good rainfall season, increased contractor efforts, and the early distribution of inputs. The average tobacco yields improved substantially, rising from 1,7 tonnes per hectare in 2024 to 2,5 tonnes per hectare in 2025.”
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Wheat production also increased by 538% to 600 045 metric tonnes (MT) in 2025, from 94 000MT in 2019.
Ncube said this growth exceeded the national consumption requirement of 360 000 tonnes per annum.
“Wheat production has been boosted by the winter wheat programme, a government and private sector partnership to mobilise financing,” Ncube said.
Consequently, cereal production hit a record high of 2,9 million metric tonnes in 2025.
Meanwhile, livestock production also improved.
“Livestock population increased to 5,74 million in 2024, from 5,2 million in 2017, through prudent dip rehabilitation. Over 75% of the 4 112 dip tanks are now functional, from less than 50% in 2018,” Ncube said.
This increase in livestock translated to the national dairy output increasing to 114,7 million litres last year, a 72,7% from 2017.
“Milk production is projected to reach 137 million litres in 2025, making the country self-sufficient for the first time in over 20 years. This increase emanates from government support efforts, such as improved breeding through artificial insemination,” Ncube said.
The increase in livestock is also expected to raise domestic egg production to 108 million dozen eggs this year, from 87 million in 2024.
“Since 2017, growth has been broad-based across most sub-sectors. Despite fluctuations of seasonal rainfall patterns, especially in 2019 and 2024, output has trended upwards, enabling the country to meet national food security/grain requirements,” Ncube said.
“In 2025, favourable rainfall conditions, characterised by a normal to above-normal season, supported agricultural output, with grain production rising to 2,29 million tonnes.
