Zimbabwe’s cotton harvest set to surge 33% in 2026 amid expanded planting

Zimbabwe’s cotton sector is on course for a major recovery in 2026, with national output projected to rise by 33 per cent compared with the previous season, according to the country’s Agricultural Marketing Authority.

A newly completed nationwide crop validation exercise estimates that cotton production will reach at least 38,500 tonnes this year, up from 29,000 tonnes in 2025. The increase follows expanded planting across key farming regions and renewed efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural export potential, reports The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

The monitoring exercise assessed planted hectarage, crop conditions and farmer compliance. Officials confirmed that around 102,000 hectares of cotton had been established for the 2026 marketing season.

Experts also stated that stricter compliance measures would now be enforced under the country’s agricultural regulations. The Agricultural Marketing Authority noted that the validation process plays a critical role in narrowing the gap between projected and actual production figures, ensuring more accurate oversight of the sector. Authorities also stressed that future cotton purchasing rights would depend on adherence to national support and traceability requirements.

The 2026 harvest forecast is expected to strengthen confidence in Zimbabwe’s agricultural recovery efforts and could provide renewed support for rural producers as global demand for cotton remains stable.