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He attributed the projected growth this year to:
- Better preparedness in the 2010-2011 season with support from both Government and co-operating partners.
- Timeous availability of inputs which were more readily available on the open market compared to previous agricultural seasons; and
- Contract farming arrangements for tobacco and cotton in particular, and soya beans to a lesser extent which assisted in having inputs available to farmers.
President Mugabe said although the 2010/11 season started well, a dry spell in January and February reduced yields dampening prospects of a bumper harvest in Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland and parts of Matabeleland North provinces.
“Agriculture has been on the rebound over the last two years. A comparison of the 2009/2010 and the 2010/2011 seasons generally shows increased production of tobacco, maize, finger millet, groundnuts, soya bean and sugar cane.”
He said the growth was in tobacco and cotton production.
“However, sugarcane and livestock production are also contributing positively to growth. Clearly, the broad-based empowerment of thousands through the historic Land freeform Programme is beginning to bear fruit.”
President Mugabe said the production of tobacco this season increased by over six percent compared to the previous season.
“Tobacco sold as at 18 August 2011, in comparison to last year’s total sales, amounted to over 131 million kg valued at US$359 million.
“Tobacco production is set to further improve as more farmers join the sector attracted by viable prices. To improve returns to farmers, there is need to focus on improving the quality of the crop,” he said.
There was a single auction floor at the beginning of the 2011 marketing season, but congestion challenges were addressed as two additional auction floors beca-me operational.
“Furthermore, farmers were encouraged to adhere to the booking system to avoid inconveniences. Applications for additional auction floors are under consideration by the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board to improve the marketing of tobacco,” President Mugabe said.
He said smallholder farmers contributed over 80 percent of the registered tobacco growers while the sector had the potential to contribute substantially to agricultural growth in Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe said the area under cotton production increased by 12 percent to over 379 000 hectares this season.
“However, productivity (yield per hectare) was reduced in the 2010/2011 season due to the dry spell experienced in the second half of the season,” he said.
In 2009/10, President Mugabe said, 268 800 tonnes of seed cotton valued at US$107 million were produced.
“Indications are that by close of sales this year, deliveries will be marginally higher than last year at 270 000 tonnes. The estimated value of this crop is US$240 million which is 123 percent above value realized last year,” he said.
He said 200 000 smallholder farmers produced the bulk of the cotton while 13 companies registered to buy seed cotton from farmers after inputs were provided for farmers.
President Mugabe said contract farming remained a major finance scheme for cotton production.
“However, international prices will have a bearing on future production trends. The prices were firm at the start of the selling season with farmers getting prices of 85 US cents per kg.
“However, prices have since dropped to 40 percent per kg due to the recent fall in the international price of cotton lint as reflected by the Cotlook A Index which currently at 117 US cents per pound.”
President Mugabe said soya bean production remained a strategic crop for vegetable oil and stock feeds production.
“Soya bean is also important in improving soil fertility through crop rotation. There is a potential to increase production through contract farming schemes and improved yield per hectare to meet national requirements.”
He said horticulture production also provides food and nutrition while providing income for both rural and urban population.
“Government will intensify the resuscitation of the horticultural sector by paying special attention to the smallholder producers in fruit, tea, coffee and vegetable production,” he said.
President Mugabe said farm mechanisation was a key component in increasing agricultural production and productivity.
“Government will continue to pursue the strategy of mechanizing agriculture through the Farm Mechanisation Programme.”
He said Government would continue to prioritise irrigation development to mitigate the effects of mid-season drought while intensifying production.
The 2011 national budget, President Mugabe said, availed US$11,78 million targeting 77 communal irrigation projects around Zimbabwe targeting 6 150 ha.
“A total of US$4 056 000 has been released so far and works are currently in progress on 30 projects (while) a total of eight irrigation projects are now complete.”
President Mugabe said the livestock sector would grow with improved stock feed availability, veterinary supplies and infrastructure rehabilitation.”
He said this was reflected in increased beef production from 36 000 last year to an estimated 42 000 in 2011.
“Calving rates improved from 35 percent in 2009/2010 season to 45 percent in the 2010/2011 season. This translates to an increase in the national herd and an increase in volumes of animals available for slaughter,” President Mugabe said.
Milk production, he said, increased from 35,7 million litres in 2009 to 47,2 million litres in 2010.
“The increase is likely to be sustained in 2011 as stock feed supplies have generally improved. There is need to increase production in order to meet national demand,” President Mugabe said.
The improvent in feed availability and the entry of new players has increased pig and poultry production.
“National sow herd has increased from 7 000 in 2009 to 12 000 in 2011. Day old broiler chick production increased from 600 000 per month in January 2009 to 4,6 million in June 2011.”
President Mugabe said the provision of agricultural extension services was critical in Zimbabwe’s endevours to equip farmers especially the newly resettled farmers with knowledge.
He said there was also need to look at the conservation of the environment for agriculture to grow on sustainable basis.
“It must be emphasized that the scourge of veldt fires which damages the environment and pasture for livestock and our wildlife, needs to be brought to an end,” he said.
This year’s show attracted 750 exhibitors including some from China, Iran, South Africa and other Sadc countries.
Online Reporter