Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati, Agriculture News Editor
MATABELELAND region has registered an increase in maize production with Matabeleland North notching 132 percent as the national output is expected to increase by two percent.
According to the Second Crop and Livestock Assessment (Clafa) 2, the increase in maize production in Matabeleland North has been attributed to the early and evenly distributed rains from November to the end of the season.
On the one hand, the wilting of cereal crops at critical physiological stages between 25 January and 13 February was seen in Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central.
“Maize production is expected to increase by two percent, from 2,29 million tonnes 2024/25 season to 2,35 million tonnes in the 2025/2026 season. Mashonaland West contributing 35 percent, followed by Midlands.
“The increase of maize in Matabeleland North was attributed to early and even distribution of rains from November to the end of season,” read the report.
The report also indicated that farmers in Matabeleland North planted 134 676 hectares of maize with an expected yield if 146 638 tonnes.
This is an increase of 132 percent from the 96 386 ha that were planted by farmers during the 2024/25 summer cropping season.
Last year, farmers harvested 63 274 tonnes of maize.
In Matabeleland South 87 250 hectares were planted to maize and a harvest of 75 845 tonnes are expected this season.
The area put under maize according to Clafa two increased by seven percent.
During the 2024/25 summer cropping season, farmers in the province planted 88 855 ha and harvested 70 837 tonnes of maize.
Midlands recorded an increase of 45 percent after farmers planted 379 999 ha with 392980 tonnes of maize expected. Last season, farmers in Midlands produced 271 927 tonnes of maize from the 383796ha that had been put under the crop.
Other provinces that registered an increase in maize production include Mashonaland West, which recorded a 35 percent rise in yields from 576 360 tonnes to 776 343 tonnes with hectarage, however, dropping from 484314ha and to 375 616 ha this season.
There has been a decline in maize production in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Masvingo.
Overall, there was five percent growth in the agriculture sector.
“However, this overall growth masks significant provincial variations, with some provinces experiencing strong gains while others recorded sharp declines,” the report stated.
Meanwhile, harvesting of the early planted maize in the different parts of the country has started, especially for farmers targeting to grow wheat this winter season.
Harvesting has, however, been delayed in some areas that are still receiving rains.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Anxious Masuka said climate-proofing agriculture should be accelerated at household and national levels — through Pfumvudza/Intwasa and accelerated irrigation development.
“Emphasis on agro-ecological tailoring of crops, and soil health and fertility management must continue through enhancing agricultural information management systems.
“There has been a progressive increase in yields under Pfumvudza/Intwasa. Emphasis should, however, be made on agro-ecological tailoring of crops, and soil health and fertility management — two critical components of the sustainable intensive conservation farming practice, Pfumvudza/Intwasa. Additionally, Pfumvudza/Intwasa must be a universal practice and should not only be undertaken to receive Presidential inputs or social welfare support,” he said.
Government has projected a surplus in grain from the 2025/6 summer cropping season.
The total cereal production for the 2025-2026 season is expected to reach 2 739 712 tonnes, with the overall figure rising to 2 876 614 tonnes when strategic grain reserves are included.
This places the country in a strong position to meet national food requirements and maintain adequate reserves.
Traditional grains are also estimated at 390 272 tonnes, with sorghum accounting for 290 216 tonnes, pearl millet 87 677 tonnes and finger millet at 12 379 tonnes.
