Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE’s recently concluded National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has been credited with driving significant growth in the agricultural sector, laying a strong foundation as the country transitions into National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Officials say the gains recorded under NDS1 position Zimbabwe to consolidate progress and reclaim its status as the breadbasket of Southern Africa under the new development framework.
The agriculture sector has recorded notable growth in recent years, contributing approximately 33 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while also strengthening food security and export earnings.
Tobacco has emerged as a major foreign currency earner, anchoring agricultural growth. Production rose from 175 million kilograms in 2020 to a historic 355 million kilograms delivered during the 2025 tobacco marketing season, generating more than US$1.2.
With the implementation of NDS2, Government is optimistic that tobacco output will reach a new target of 500 million kilograms. Under the tobacco value chain transformation plan, the sector is projected to grow into a US$5 billion industry by 2030, subject to favourable production conditions.
Maize production has also shown strong performance, with crops thriving in most farming areas. Authorities say the positive outlook points to another bumper harvest, strengthening national food and nutrition security as the country continues to receive good rains.
Wheat production, which had previously declined, has recorded a significant turnaround following the introduction of the mechanisation programme launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The deployment of tractors and combine harvesters has boosted productivity, with official figures indicating a 600 percent increase in wheat output this year.
After achieving a historic output of more than 655 000 tonnes of wheat for the first time, Government has set an ambitious target of 1.5 million tonnes by 2030.
The sustained growth in agriculture is viewed as a key pillar for economic development, food self-sufficiency and export growth as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030 under NDS2.
