The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has delivered 120,054.49 metric tonnes of summer cereals to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to build strategic grain reserves in anticipation of a possible El Niño-induced drought during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Official GMB figures show that the deliveries include 27,836.280 metric tonnes handled through Agro Dura, while 24,898.897 metric tonnes comprise sorghum, underscoring the increasing importance of drought-tolerant crops in the country's food security strategy.
ARDA expects grain inflows to remain strong as more farmers complete harvesting, threshing and packaging, with sorghum deliveries projected to increase further in the coming weeks.
To support the growing volumes, the authority is working alongside the GMB to coordinate logistics and ensure grain from contracted farmers is moved efficiently to collection depots across the country.
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The latest grain deliveries come as Zimbabwe steps up preparations for a possible return of El Niño, which climate forecasts suggest could develop later this year and increase the likelihood of below-normal rainfall across Southern Africa.
The anticipated weather pattern has prompted Government to prioritise the replenishment of strategic grain reserves to cushion the country against potential food shortages and strengthen national food security.
The rising contribution of sorghum also reflects ongoing efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture by encouraging the production of crops better suited to dry conditions, while expanding irrigation and other climate-smart farming initiatives.
Zimbabwe is taking a proactive approach after the devastating 2023/24 El Niño drought, which severely affected crop production and left millions of people requiring food assistance.
By strengthening grain stocks well ahead of the next farming season, authorities aim to improve the country's preparedness and resilience against future climate-related shocks.
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