Government is targeting to build a 600,000-metric-tonne Strategic Grain Reserve by October 2027 as Zimbabwe steps up drought preparedness ahead of the 2026/2027 summer cropping season, which is expected to be affected by a strong El Niño phenomenon.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda announced the target during a post-Cabinet briefing, saying the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) held 365,688 metric tonnes of grain in the reserve as at November 9, 2026.
He said Government was using new artificial intelligence-powered silos under the Enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve pillar to increase the country’s grain storage capacity.
The Agricultural Rural Development Agency (ARDA), which is the food security agent, has contributed more than 90% of the grain currently held in the reserve.
On this topic
Soda said the Presidential Gratitude Grain Collection initiative, which involves a contribution of 10kg per household, had collected 8,678 metric tonnes, 19% more than in the previous year.
Preparations for the summer cropping season were also progressing, with 14,971,621 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots established, representing 93.3% of the target.
Government has established 914 Ward Drought Mitigation Centres out of a targeted 1,527 rural wards as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness and response at community level.
Soda said irrigation development had reached 308,969 hectares, with 119,068 hectares earmarked for maize production during the current summer season.
Government was also prioritising soil health to improve agricultural productivity, with a new soil fertility map developed to guide interventions.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe harvested 676,473 metric tonnes of wheat during the 2026 winter cropping season after planting 130,316 hectares.
A total of 129,860 hectares had been harvested by the latest reporting period, producing an average yield of 5.2 metric tonnes per hectare.
However, the anticipated drought is also expected to put pressure on the livestock sector, with 2,248,498 cattle, representing 38.9% of the national herd of 5,750,439, projected to be at risk.
Under the Livestock Drought Mitigation pillar, Government is continuing to implement the Presidential Poultry and Goat Schemes as pass-on initiatives.
Soda said 3,543,705 chicks and 6,897 goats had been distributed since the programmes began, as at November 4, 2026.
He said the 2026/2027 Summer Plan was being implemented through coordination between public and private sector players, with each pillar assigned a champion under private sector leadership.
Early warning systems were also in place, while communication with farmers and traditional leaders was being strengthened alongside farmer training and agricultural extension support.
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