Zimbabwe targets agricultural revival with 347% surge in cereal production in 2024/25
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is setting its sights on a transformative agricultural recovery, aiming to increase cereal production by an extraordinary 347% in the 2024/2025 summer cropping season.
This bold plan comes in the wake of a devastating El Niño-induced drought that left millions of Zimbabweans food insecure and significantly impacted agricultural output.
Addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet briefing, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Information Minister, unveiled the government’s ambitious strategy.
The government’s ultimate goal is to produce 3.27 million tonnes of cereals this season, a dramatic increase from last year’s 744,271 tonnes.
The plan targets 3.2 million hectares for planting, with maize leading the charge at 1.8 million hectares. The programme also includes key crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, soya beans, and cotton, supported by the climate-resilient Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme and increased private sector involvement.
“The goal is to produce enough to feed the nation and replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve,” Muswere said.
Encouraged by forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall, he expressed confidence that the country’s agricultural sector would rebound significantly, helping to reduce reliance on imports and improve food security.
Zimbabwe’s current grain reserves stand at 253,665 metric tonnes, comprising maize, wheat, and traditional grains.
The shortfall caused by this year’s drought forced the government to import over 1 million metric tonnes of maize to meet national demand. However, winter wheat production offered a silver lining, with farmers delivering 563,961 metric tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
While ordinary wheat is now grown in surplus domestically, Zimbabwe continues to import hard and durum wheat varieties due to limited local adaptation. Efforts to address these gaps include intensified research into climate-resilient wheat strains that can thrive in Zimbabwean conditions.
Beyond grain, the government has ramped up livestock support, distributing feed to 27 districts to sustain over 107,000 cattle. Livestock remains an essential asset for rural communities, and these interventions are seen as critical to safeguarding livelihoods in drought-affected areas.
The government has laid out expansive plans to meet its production targets. Besides the 1.8 million hectares dedicated to maize, the strategy encompasses increased cultivation of sorghum, pearl millet, groundnuts, soya beans, and other traditional crops.
To prepare for the anticipated surge in agricultural output, Zimbabwe is expanding its storage capacity. Grain silos at key depots, including Kwekwe, Mutare, and Lupane, are undergoing upgrades to accommodate larger harvests.
Addressing food insecurity
According to the Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Report of 2024, at least seven million people face food insecurity due to the drought. The government has responded with large-scale food relief efforts, including grain distributions in rural areas and cash transfers to urban households.
Dr. Muswere emphasized the importance of these interventions, particularly as the country transitions into the rainy season.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, a flagship initiative aimed at climate-proofing smallholder farming, remains central to the government’s strategy. Inputs such as seeds and fertilizers have already been distributed to farmers to kickstart the planting season.
The private sector is playing a crucial role in bolstering the agricultural recovery.
According to country data, by November 20, private companies had imported over 1 million tonnes of grain to complement government efforts.
Financial institutions such as CBZ, AFC, and NMB are funding a significant portion of the summer cropping season, while private contractors are actively supporting tobacco and cotton farmers.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
