Zimbabwe is making steady progress towards food self-sufficiency, with over 37,000 metric tonnes of grain already delivered to the Grain Marketing Board under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme. Government support, improved storage capacity, and early input distribution are helping farmers secure strong harvests, while a nationwide push to prioritise local production is reducing dependence on costly imports.
Sharleen Mohammed
Zimbabwe’s grain reserves are steadily growing, with more than 37,000 metric tonnes already delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme and ARDA-managed schemes.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, recently toured the GMB Aspindale depot in Harare to see how the national harvest is being received, tested, and stored.
For years, Zimbabwe struggled with food shortages caused by drought, low productivity, and dependence on grain imports.
Professor Jiri said: “The inspection at Aspindale is important, because we want to make sure that everything works smoothly from the time grain is delivered to when it enters storage.”
He explained that each truck arriving at the depot is logged, samples are taken to check the quality of the maize, and the grain is weighed before being stored in silos.
“This process helps us make sure only good-quality grain becomes part of our national reserve,” he said.
“Storage is not just about keeping maize it’s a safety net and when our silos are full, we know we can feed our people, even during hard times.”
Currently, Zimbabwe has the capacity to store over 600,000 metric tonnes of grain. That figure is set to grow, as the government is expanding its silos to hold up to 1.5 million tonnes.
He added: “At the same time, borders have been closed to private grain imports. This move protects local farmers and ensures their harvests are given priority. Those who prepared early under Pfumvudza have already started receiving farming inputs, boosting their confidence ahead of the next season.”
“The results are already showing,” Professor Jiri said.
“Farmers now have guaranteed markets. Families are better protected with our growing reserve. And the country is cutting back on expensive imports.”
He added that the recent delivery milestone shows how farmers are responding to government support.
“This season, we want every household to feel the benefits of a strong harvest. Every bag of maize stored here is more than just food it’s security, stability, and dignity for our people.”
As preparations continue for the summer planting season, more grain deliveries are expected in the coming weeks. With the silo expansion programme in motion, Zimbabwe is making steady progress toward lasting food self-reliance.
