Chronicle Editor
Online Reporter
THE Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Irrigation Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, is expected to visit Isla Farm in Lubangwe, Hwange District, today to assess crops.
Most of the maize and sorghum at Isla Farm is at the tasselling and vegetative stages.
Farmers are rejoicing in the incessant rains and are hopeful for a bumper harvest.
The Government and farmers across the country have expressed excitement over the significant improvement in the state of crops and livestock, in response to the good rains being received in many areas since last month.
Unlike last year, when the agricultural sector was devastated by the El Niño-induced drought, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development is confident that the 2025 farming season will be a great success, especially for maize and other cereal crops, some of which are already at the flowering stage.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the country is forecast to receive intense rainfall in the coming days. The rains have not only rejuvenated crops but also improved pastures and water availability, offering a lifeline to livestock farmers.
Communal farmers have also expressed gratitude for the Government’s input support, noting that most inputs were delivered on time this farming season.
Giving an update on the crop and livestock situation in the country, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Professor Obert Jiri, said that, generally, the condition of crops and livestock was impressive nationwide. He stated that the country is set to surpass targets in terms of land planted and yields.
“The country has been receiving good rains nationwide, and we have seen great improvement in crops and livestock. Generally, the condition of crops is now adequate and good across all provinces, and the livestock situation has also vastly improved,” said Prof Jiri.
“The bulk of the crop, more than 65 percent, is now at the late vegetative stage, and we have no doubt that maize will make it. The crop that was planted early in November is now also at the flowering stage, while the late-planted crop, which accounts for about 20 percent, is now at the early vegetative stage. All these crops are looking very good.”
Prof Jiri also mentioned that 85 percent of traditional grains, which were planted in December, were looking very good, as were soya beans, cotton, and tobacco. He stated that the maize target is at 98 percent, according to reports from extension officers, and a crop and livestock assessment is currently underway.
This amounts to about 1.78 million hectares under maize across the provinces, based on what has already germinated
Online Reporter