Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central Province has set an ambitious target of cultivating over 500 000 hectares for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season, building on last year’s strong agricultural performance and forecasts of normal rainfall.
Provincial agronomist Mr Cain Loki said the province sought to surpass its 2024/2025 success, having produced 27 910 tonnes of grain last year against a target of 27 000 tonnes, exceeding expectations by 3 percent.
Mazowe District led the output with 16 600 tonnes, showcasing the province’s agricultural momentum.
Speaking at a provincial pre-planning meeting at Glendale Country Club, Mr Loki reported that preparations were well underway for the upcoming season.
“So far, we have established 142 collection points under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, expecting to gather 3 226.1 tonnes.
“Of this, 456 tonnes have already been collected with the support of village heads and chiefs,” he said.
Mr Loki said harvesting was ongoing, with 500 tonnes of wheat already delivered by mid-season, averaging 6,6 tonnes per hectare.
Districts previously flagged for poor performance, such as Shamva, have shown marked improvement due to targeted extension services and farmer training.
On livestock production, Mr Loki described the condition as “fair to good”, citing ample feed availability and continuous farmer training in feed formulation and animal health management.
The province now boasts over 100 000 cattle, half of which are being preserved for breeding.
In addition, 361 agricultural practitioners have received booster kits, and new farming projects are being rolled out in Muzarabani and Mt Darwin. Out of 145 million business units established, 139 are fully operational, indicating strong progress in agricultural industrialisation.
Looking ahead, Mr Loki said the province’s 2025/2026 plan is aligned with the Government’s Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, which prioritises food security, replenishment of strategic grain reserves, and climate resilience.
“This season, the focus will be on agro-ecological crop selection and the promotion of small grains to strengthen climate-proofing at both household and national levels,” he stated.
“We aim to boost cereal production by at least 10 percent above national food requirements.”
Officially launching the 2025 Pre-Planting Seminar, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said Mashonaland Central’s crop plan will cover 582 325 hectares this season, a significant increase from previous years.
Minister Magomo praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership, noting transformative initiatives like the Title Deeds and Productivity Booster Kits Programme, which enhance farmers’ security of tenure and provide essential tools for productivity.
“Agriculture already contributes 33 percent of Mashonaland Central’s GDP, and with continued Government support, we are confident the province will soon surpass this benchmark,” he said.
The province’s comprehensive crop plan includes: 270 000 hectares of maize, 75 000 hectares of sorghum, 27 465 hectares of soyabean, 61 000 hectares of cotton, 38 200 hectares of tobacco, and 20 000 hectares of sunflowers, among other key crops.
“These targets are a collective pledge to ensure food security, expand value chains, create jobs, stimulate exports and lift rural communities out of poverty,” said Minister Magomo.
He urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture, embrace improved seed varieties and employ modern technologies to mitigate climate change effects.
With last season’s achievements as a foundation, provincial officials expressed confidence that Mashonaland Central will set new records this year, laying the groundwork for a food-secure and industrialised Zimbabwe in line with Vision 2030.
