Government is planning to introduce new levies on imported maize, wheat and oilseed products as part of wider efforts to strengthen food security and prepare for possible drought conditions linked to the anticipated El Niño weather pattern expected during the 2026/27 farming season.
Documents circulating within the agricultural sector show that authorities are considering a US$40 per metric tonne levy on maize imports over a 90-day period.
Soyabean imports could attract a US$20 levy per metric tonne until 31 August 2026, while soya meal imports may face a US$35 levy during the same period.
The proposals also include a US$89.25 levy on soft wheat imports for 30 days, with hard wheat imports attracting the same charge if importers exceed a prescribed 30 percent import quota.
Government says the measures are aligned with Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which seeks to increase local sourcing of grain and oilseed products by processors, millers and food manufacturers.
Under the policy, companies are expected to source at least 40 percent of their raw materials locally by April next year, with full local procurement targeted by 2028.
Authorities say money collected through the levies will be channelled into the Agricultural Revolving Fund to finance irrigation development and support farmers.
Government reports indicate that US$5.7 million has already been raised under the levy framework, with US$3.2 million invested in irrigation infrastructure projects covering 850 hectares across the country.
Several irrigation schemes are reported to be nearing completion.
Nyaitenga Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland East is said to be 94 percent complete, while Dinhe Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo has reached 92 percent completion.
Musarurwa and Nyamangara irrigation schemes are also reported to have surpassed 80 percent completion and are awaiting electrification and final commissioning.
Other projects under development include Dotito, Maparo, Chimhanda and Glen Sommerset irrigation schemes.
Officials say the irrigation expansion programme is part of broader efforts to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture and protect food production from recurring droughts.
The country has experienced repeated climate shocks in recent years, including the severe 2024 drought which significantly reduced grain output and forced Zimbabwe to spend nearly US$1 billion on grain and oilseed imports.
Government believes expanding irrigation infrastructure will help stabilise cereal production and reduce future import dependence.
According to official projections, the 850 hectares currently under development could produce more than 10,000 metric tonnes of cereals annually across two farming seasons.
Authorities also expect the irrigation schemes to generate enough revenue to fund the expansion of an additional 550 hectares under a revolving financing model.
The proposed levies have, however, sparked debate within the private sector.
Some millers and processors have warned that higher import costs could eventually increase prices for consumers if local production fails to meet demand.
Farmer unions have largely supported the policy, saying it could help protect local producers, strengthen domestic food production and improve resilience against climate-related agricultural shocks.
Officials from the Agricultural Marketing Authority have previously described the levy system as a long-term strategy to rebuild Zimbabwe’s agricultural production capacity and reduce reliance on imports.