Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
In an effort to strengthen food security and increase agricultural productivity, the Government has set an ambitious target to produce 3,2 million tonnes of cereal this season.
This objective encompasses 2,5 million tonnes of maize and 687 000 tonnes of traditional grains, reflecting a strategic commitment to exceed national food and feed requirements by a significant 33 percent above the established policy target.
As the nation prepares for the 2025/26 summer plan, the focus is on sustainable agricultural practices designed to ensure a stable and resilient food supply for all Zimbabweans.
The summer plan outlines specific production increases across various crops that are essential for the country’s food security.
Maize, a staple food in Zimbabwe, is expected to rise from 2 299 216 tonnes to 2 520 000 tonnes.
Other crops whose production is set to increase include sorghum, which will grow from 436 784 tonnes to 450 000 tonnes; pearl millet from 188 261 tonnes to 220 000 tonnes; and finger millet, which will see an increase from 9 605 tonnes to 17 000 tonnes.
Additionally, soyabeans are projected to rise significantly, from 41 909 tonnes to 115 500 tonnes, while groundnuts will increase from 84 565 tonnes to 125 000 tonnes.
Sugar beans are expected to jump from 18 067 tonnes to 38 500 tonnes, and roundnuts will rise from 24 922 tonnes to 42 500 tonnes and the African pea production is set to soar from 20 808 tonnes to 47 000 tonnes.
Despite these positive projections, challenges persist in certain regions. Areas such as Gweru, Hwange, and Beitbridge will continue to require food assistance, alongside an additional ten districts that will face similar needs starting next month.
This highlights the importance of targeted support to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Regions like Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland East exhibit varying levels of cereal sufficiency, with most areas reporting adequate grain supplies. However, specific districts, including Chegutu, Makonde, and Rushinga, will need assistance in the coming months, underscoring the ongoing disparities in food security across the nation.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri has called for greater collaboration between private partners and financial institutions to support farmers during this season.
He emphasised the need for climate-proofing agriculture.
“Irrigation is the way to go; we cannot wait for the rain. We must engage in massive irrigation. We must dislocate and remove the link between production and rainfall, and the only way to delink that is through irrigation development.”
His call to action reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt agricultural practices to changing climate conditions.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is one of the Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at supporting three million rural households.
Under the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), banks such as AFC, CBZ Agro Yield, and NMB are encouraged to continue their support for agriculture, providing vital financial resources to farmers.
As the season progresses, contractors have obligations to purchase what they have contracted, while the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and those benefiting from the Presidential Input Support Scheme are mandated to deliver their crops to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Seed companies have reported having adequate stocks to cater to the summer season, and both financial institutions and chemical companies are poised to assist farmers in their efforts. The Government has rolled out these initiatives to create a resilient agricultural framework that not only addresses immediate food security needs but also lays the groundwork for sustainable farming practices in the long run.
