Online Reporter
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
NATIONAL dam levels have risen to 89 percent full, which is enough to support the country’s winter wheat farming as the country targets food self-sufficiency with the Government identifying 21 critical enablers to achieve food security.
The dam inflows surged by seven percent when compared to 82 percent during the same period last year, according to official data.
Zimbabwe received improved rains in the 2024/25 rainy season in comparison to last season, and the country is looking at prospects of a bumper harvest.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, yesterday presented before Cabinet the country’s water security update and preparedness for the 2025 winter plan, which is critical for irrigation development.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said for the effective rolling out of the 2025 winter plan, the Government assessed 151 major dams to ascertain their capacity to support the country’s irrigation programme.
“As at March 13, 2025, dams across the country’s 10 provinces are 88,5 percent full. The average national levels are above the 82 percent recorded during the same time last season,” he said.
“The 2025 winter cereal production target for three major crops is 135 250 hectares, with wheat on 120 000 hectares, barley on 6 500 hectares and Irish potatoes on 8 750 hectares,” said Dr Muswere.
“The wheat plan aims to produce 600 000 metric tonnes, surpassing the national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes. Additionally, barley and potato production are expected to rise to 39 000 and 263 250 metric tonnes, respectively.”
For the Government to achieve its agricultural winter produce plan, he said 21 critical enablers such as power, water, seed, fertiliser, and fuel financial support enablers comprising farmer payments will be monitored.
Dr Muswere said other enablers are finance and insurance, operational efficiency enablers comprising mechanisation, co-ordination and contract farming, risk management enablers comprising migratory pests, land issues, security and veld fire management, as well as other enablers such as capacity-building, the policy regulatory environment, soil management, marketing and monitoring and evaluation.
He said a “Whole of Government Approach” will be implemented for the country to achieve its desired goals.
Meanwhile, the Government’s Social Welfare Department continues to provide food relief to vulnerable communities as the country is in the peak of the El Nino-induced drought.
Dr Muswere said Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo briefed Cabinet on the ongoing 4th Blitz Food Distribution, which is cushioning most vulnerable food-insecure households as they await harvest of their produce.
“Nationally, a cumulative total of 45 513.23 metric tonnes of grain has been distributed to the communities in need under the exercise. In addition, the cumulative distribution under the Zunde raMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi stands at 4 372.51 metric tonnes of grain.
“Processes are underway to replenish grain stocks allocated to the chiefs,” said Dr Muswere.
He said while grain distribution is ongoing, the Cash-for-Cereal Programme is also in motion.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will next week host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners in Victoria Falls from March 24 to 28.
Dr Muswere said preparations for the meeting were progressing well.
“The objective of the meeting is to enable the Ministers of Labour and Employment and Social Partners in the SADC region to take stock of the implementation of Employment and Labour Sector Programmes and to decide on issues of strategic relevance to the region,” said Dr Muswere.
“The meeting is also expected to discuss signature and ratification status of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour; Declaration of the promotion of Decent Work and the Elimination of Forced Labour in the fisheries sector in the SADC region; and Development of the Revised Regional Technical and Vocational Education and Training.” —
