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Word from the Market
Tina Nleya
FARMERS often ask: “How do I know what to produce?”
Market-led farming is all about producing what is on demand. Now ask yourself this question: How many times do you eat rice in your household and where does it come from?
Zimbabwe’s rice consumption has surged to over 300 000 tonnes per year, driven by changing dietary preferences and urbanisation. However, local production significantly lags behind, leaving a substantial gap that is filled primarily by imports.
The country spends over US$80 million annually on rice imports, which has prompted the Government to recognise rice as a strategic crop for food security. This creates an incredible opportunity for farmers to tap into a high-demand market, reducing the country’s dependency on costly imports.
Why rice?
Rice is now a staple for many Zimbabwean households, ranking third after maize and wheat. The demand for rice has grown at a rate of 6 percent annually, while local production has risen by only 4 percent per year.
With the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy emphasising food security and self-sufficiency, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) sees rice as a viable new revenue stream for farmers. By increasing domestic production, Zimbabwe could drastically reduce its import bill, stabilising food supply and supporting economic resilience.
Production potential and regional viability
Rice can be cultivated in several regions across Zimbabwe, particularly in Manicaland, Mashonaland, Masvingo and parts of Midlands and Matabeleland provinces.
Traditionally, Zimbabwe’s rice production was concentrated in wetlands, with smallholder farmers using local varieties.
However, recent initiatives have introduced resilient varieties like Nerica, which are better suited to dryland and upland conditions.
These varieties are drought-resistant and can be grown with limited water resources, making them ideal for Zimbabwe’s varied climates.
The Government, along with international partners, has reintroduced research on rice varieties that are both high-yielding and disease-resistant. These efforts have led to the release of Nerica 1, 3 and 7, which show promise in increasing yields and adapting to Zimbabwe’s climate.
By growing these improved varieties, farmers could achieve yields of up to 7 tonnes per hectare, significantly more than the current average yield of 500kg to 1 000kg per hectare from older, unimproved seeds.
Addressing challenges
Despite its potential, rice production in Zimbabwe faces challenges, including inadequate irrigation infrastructure, limited access to quality seed and a lack of mechanisation.
Unlike other staple crops, rice requires a reliable water source, which has been a limitation due to the country’s inconsistent rainfall and ageing irrigation systems.
To address this, the Government’s 2024/2025 summer plan seeks to expand irrigation infrastructure and increase the irrigated area by 15 000 hectares this season alone.
This development will enable farmers in suitable areas to adopt rice cultivation, with Government support for irrigation and inputs.
Private players are also encouraged to join forces and mobilise resources for mechanisation.
Another critical barrier is access to high-quality agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers and pest management products. These inputs play a vital role in improving yields and ensuring crop health.
While the opportunity for rice production in Zimbabwe is promising, challenges remain. Flooded rice fields, if not managed properly, can be breeding grounds for pests and diseases. Additionally, rice farming demands consistent water levels and nutrient-rich soils, which are not universally available across the country. Hence, rice production will need to be concentrated in lowland areas, with access to irrigation or sufficient seasonal rainfall.
Overcoming these challenges requires close coordination with agronomists, irrigation specialists and climate experts to ensure sustainability and effective resource utilisation. Zimbabwe’s long-term goal is to produce at least 50 percent of its rice requirements domestically by 2030, with ambitions for self-sufficiency in the following decade.
Meeting this target will require continued investment in infrastructure, farmer training and support from international partners.
Potential
Expanding rice production locally holds significant promise for Zimbabwe’s economy. Beyond reducing the import bill, a thriving rice industry would create new jobs in the agriculture sector, from production to post-harvest processing.
Farmers stand to benefit from the additional income generated by rice sales, which could contribute to poverty alleviation, especially in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited. Additionally, rice production aligns with national food security goals. By cultivating a crop that has become an essential part of the Zimbabwean diet, farmers can contribute to stable and accessible food supply for local communities.
Increased rice production will also protect consumers from the impact of global price fluctuations, making the cereal more affordable and accessible to all Zimbabweans.
Call to action
The time is ripe for local farmers to consider rice as a profitable and sustainable addition to their crop portfolios. Through ongoing partnerships and national initiatives, Zimbabwe is building a robust rice production value chain that will benefit both farmers and the country as a whole.
For farmers with access to irrigation and suitable land, and with substantial support from both the Government and international stakeholders, rice represents an opportunity to produce a high-demand, high-revenue crop.
With the right support and resources, Zimbabwe can transform rice from an import-dependent commodity into a locally produced staple, driving economic growth and enhancing food security for all.
Tina Nleya is AMA’s marketing and public relations manager. She can be contacted on email: [email protected]. Word From The Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production.
Online Reporter