Govt plans 662,500 tonnes of wheat, splits Agriculture Ministry
- Chipo Basira
- 28 Apr, 2026
Govt plans 662,500 tonnes of wheat, splits Agriculture Ministry
The Government has approved a plan to grow 662,500 tonnes of wheat this winter, which is more than the country needs. The Government also split the Agriculture Ministry into two to improve service delivery.
Information Minister Dr Zhemu Soda gave the details at Munhumutapa Building today, 28 April 2026.
He was presenting the 12th Post-Cabinet Briefing. Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka answered questions from journalists after the meeting.
Cabinet approved the 2026 Winter Production Plan. Under the plan, farmers will plant wheat on 125,000 hectares to produce 662,500 tonnes. Zimbabwe needs 615,000 tonnes of wheat each year. The plan also targets 45,500 tonnes of barley from 6,500 hectares and 243,850 tonnes of Irish potatoes from 9,000 hectares.
In total, 140,500 hectares will be used for wheat, barley and potatoes. The country has 256,958 hectares available for winter irrigation. Dr Masuka said the Government will check 21 important things like power, water, seed, fertiliser and fuel to make sure the plan works.
The winter plan is part of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 and the National Development Strategy 2. It follows record wheat production in 2025.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has split the old Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development into two ministries. Dr Anxious Masuka will lead the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development. Vangelis Peter Haritatos will lead the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development. The change was made in April 2026 to improve efficiency.
Dr Masuka said the Government wants to move from rain-fed farming to irrigation farming by 2030 because of climate change. Major dam projects for this plan include Muchekeranwa, Marovanyati, Chivhu and Lake Gwayi-Shangani.
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the 2026 budget will provide more money to build and fix irrigation systems.
This includes drip and overhead irrigation and solar power for water pumps. He said, “We can no longer depend on rain-fed agriculture. This is a national food security issue.”
Cabinet also approved the National Action Plan for Children IV for 2026 to 2030. The plan will fight child labour, poverty, online violence and child marriage. It has five parts, including better services for children and stronger laws.
Cabinet also approved the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026 to 2030. The strategy will develop AI skills, build infrastructure, set rules and fund AI startups.
Dr Zhemu Soda was appointed Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities in April 2024. He was Energy Minister from 2020 to 2023. He now presents Cabinet briefings as Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Treasury expects the economy to grow by 5% this year. Agriculture is expected to be one of the main drivers of growth.
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