Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE’S agricultural sector is on a powerful upward trajectory, with substantial growth across major crop and livestock categories, an encouraging signal for national food security and rural economic resilience.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, announced the country’s promising performance, citing the latest Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report for the 2024/25 season.
“The area planted to maize increased from 1 728 897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1 839 373 hectares this season.
“This represents a 6.4 increase and is marginally above our national target of 1.8 million hectares,” said Dr Muswere.
The increase in planted area is expected to deliver a projected maize output of 2 293 556 metric tons, Zimbabwe’s fourth-highest harvest on record.
This strong showing in maize production is a major boost to domestic food security, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing household nutrition.
Tobacco, cotton and sunflower production increased by 15 percent, 52 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
The total national herd is at 5.7 million, a 0.4 percent increase on last year with communal areas dominating and accounting for 64 percent of the total cattle population.
He noted that a total of 94 623 metric tonnes of beef was produced in 2024, compared to 90 000 metric tonnes in 2023. Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Midlands were the top milk producing provinces in 2024, accounting for 89 percent of the country’s production of 115 million litres last year, a 10 percent increase from last year.
Overall fish production in 2024 is 31 296 metric tonnes, while crocodile skin sales increased by 34 percent, he added.
