daniel chigunwe
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe has enough grain for more than 10 months and is targeting to produce 2 800 000 tonnes of maize in the 2023-2024 season, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Minister Muswere said production will be under various funding programmes including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Government facilitated bank financing, private sector and self-financing.
“The nation is informed that maize and traditional grains stocks at the Grain Marketing Board as at October 29, 2023 stood at 200 245 tonnes and 48 243 tonnes of maize and traditional grains respectively,” said Minister Muswere.
“Using the monthly consumption rate of 23 000 tonnes the available grain will last 10,8 months.
“Wheat stocks as at October 29, 2023 stood at 198 104 tonnes. Wheat stocks can last up to 9,4 months at a monthly drawdown rate of 21 000 tonnes.
“A total of ZW$46 431 715 012 and US$13 187 134.00 was paid by the Grain Marketing Board for grain delivered.
“On winter wheat, the Cabinet advises that the area planted under wheat stood at 90 192 hectares and the estimated harvest is 440 844 tonnes.
“Wheat harvesting is still in progress, with 48 459 hectares having been harvested to date, with a volume of 267 747 tonnes harvested to date,” said Minister Muswere.
The country was targeting to produce 2 800 000t of maize, 120 000t of soya beans, 150 000t of sunflower, 350 000t of sorghum, 92 658t of pearl millet, and 270 000t of cotton during the 2023/2024 summer season.
“Seed is readily available for all these crops, with about 40,8 percent being early to ultra-early maturity varieties. Government and seed associations have released the crop and variety suitability information to assist all stakeholders in the selection of appropriate varieties for their agro-ecological zones.
“All this information on the suitable varieties per region is available from the nearest Agricultural Extension officers,” said Minister Muswere.
He said regarding fertilisers, the current local stock stood at 84 146.80 tonnes, and consultations were underway to forestall any shortages.
Minister Muswere said there had been substantial progress in the establishment of farmer field schools which enhanced farmer training.
Plot preparation under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme was being accelerated, with a target to complete three plots per farmer by the extended deadline of November 15 and the country expected to surpass previous records.
Over 3,8 million plots had already been prepared, which was higher than previous seasons and a total of 13 628 tractors were available for tillage, and this fleet was sufficient for the targeted area.
Minister Muswere said 70 316 hectares had been tentatively committed for maize production under irrigation, with a potential yield of up to 500 000 tonnes and dam storage levels were currently at an average of 78,8 percent of total capacity.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said teams were on the ground assessing the extent of any damages caused by the ongoing rains on wheat.
“We have had two bouts of showers distributed throughout the country, some places being affected more than others and we say the western and southern parts of the country are receiving a fair share of rains,” said Minister Masuka.
Online Reporter