Good Harvest Drives Zimbabwe's Agriculture Growth, Mthuli Ncube Says

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare

Zimbabwe's agriculture sector is projected to grow by 6.9% in 2026, buoyed by a successful 2025/26 farming season, increased Government support and favourable rainfall that has boosted crop and livestock production, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube has said.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review in Parliament on Thursday, Ncube said Government's multi-pronged strategy to strengthen domestic food production was yielding positive results through expanded input support, irrigation rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture and improved extension services.

Government increases support for farmers

Ncube said the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development received ZiG7.4 billion under the 2026 National Budget. Of this amount, agricultural inputs worth ZiG4.9 billion were distributed during the first half of the year through programmes including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Zunde Ramambo/Isiphala Senkosi, the Presidential Cotton Scheme and the Rural Horticulture Development Programme.

To strengthen livestock production, Treasury disbursed ZiG270 million for veterinary services, covering vaccination campaigns, dipping programmes and the rehabilitation of dip tanks. A further ZiG167 million was allocated to agricultural extension and business advisory services to improve farmer training, mobility and communication for extension officers.

Government also released ZiG20 million to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) to conduct its national survey on food security, nutrition, poverty and vulnerability ahead of the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño season. Development partners complemented Government efforts with US$12.1 million to support agricultural resilience, biodiversity conservation, rural development and value chain development.

Tobacco production reaches record levels

Zimbabwe's tobacco sector continues to expand, with output projected to reach 400 million kilogrammes in 2026, representing a 12.7% increase from the record 355 million kilogrammes produced in 2025. As of 17 June, growers had delivered 330.6 million kilogrammes to auction floors, up from 299.2 million kilogrammes over the corresponding period last year. However, tobacco earnings declined to US$827.6 million from US$1 billion, reflecting a 25% fall in auction prices. Ncube attributed the decline to oversupply in both domestic and international markets, stockpiles held by major buyers and a gradual global shift away from tobacco products.

Maize harvest secures national food supplies

Maize production is forecast to increase to 2.4 million metric tonnes, up 2% from 2.3 million metric tonnes recorded during the previous season. Traditional grain production is projected at 390,272 metric tonnes, comprising:

• Sorghum: 290,216 tonnes

• Pearl millet: 87,677 tonnes

• Finger millet: 12,379 tonnes

Combined cereal production is expected to reach 2.7 million metric tonnes, sufficient to meet Zimbabwe's domestic food requirements while strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve. Ncube said the strong performance of drought-tolerant traditional grains demonstrates their growing importance in improving food security and climate resilience, particularly in semi-arid regions.

Cotton and livestock sectors record gains

Cotton production is projected to rise to 38,500 tonnes, compared to 28,900 tonnes in 2025, driven by a 26.5% increase in the area planted. By 18 June, cumulative cotton deliveries had reached 5.08 million kilogrammes, a sharp increase from 310,625 kilogrammes during the same period last year.

The livestock sector is also expected to register positive growth, supported by abundant grazing and improved water availability following favourable rains. Beef production is projected to increase by 2.8%, from 108,000 tonnes to approximately 111,000 tonnes, while cattle mortality has declined to 3.3%, down from 4.5% in 2024. Although the national herd expanded by only 0.3%, improved grazing conditions are expected to support higher offtake.

Dairy sector continues strong recovery

The dairy industry is forecast to remain one of agriculture's strongest-performing subsectors.

Milk production is expected to rise 7.5% from 155 million litres in 2025 to approximately 166 million litres this year. By 30 April, cumulative milk output stood at 40.3 million litres, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The national dairy herd also grew 7.5%, increasing from 65,659 animals in 2024 to 70,584 in 2025.

Ncube said Government-private sector partnerships, out-grower schemes, farmer training and a national dairy breeding programme using artificial insemination are expected to improve productivity to 20 litres per cow per day, up from the current average of 17 litres.

"The dairy sector is transitioning from recovery to sustained growth," Ncube said, adding that continued investment in productivity and value addition would underpin Zimbabwe's broader agricultural transformation.

Zimbabwe agriculture growth 2026