Tiyani Hahlani

Masvingo province has surged to second place in Zimbabwe’s national wheat production rankings, a remarkable turnaround fuelled by strategic agricultural policies and timely government support.

Previously ranked sixth in national GMB intake, Masvingo now holds second place in 2025, trailing only Mashonaland West.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka recently toured Riverton Farm and Mbungo Estates in Masvingo, accompanied by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira.

The visit highlighted the province’s transformation from a perennial under-performer to a national wheat leader.

“Masvingo is excelling in boosting food security. This success is not accidental—it’s the result of deliberate agro-ecological precision policies that align crops with suitable regions,” said Dr. Masuka.

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) confirmed that all arrears from the 2024 winter wheat season have been settled, following a Treasury allocation of ZiG69.9 million.

In addition, a further ZiG57.1 million has been disbursed to ensure prompt payments for ongoing cereal deliveries—an initiative expected to reinforce farmer confidence and maintain consistent grain supply.

These financial interventions come amid a historic upswing in Zimbabwe’s wheat sector. National production has soared by 464 percent since 2019, reaching 563 961 tonnes in 2024—well above the 360 000-tonne threshold required for self-sufficiency.

The government has now set its sights on an ambitious 2025 target of 600 000 tonnes.