HARARE — Zimbabwe’s government is advancing efforts to ensure food security amid challenging conditions, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere told reporters on Tuesday following a Cabinet briefing on the country’s agricultural output and future plans.
Muswere reported that the Grain Marketing Board has received 20,148 metric tonnes of maize, soybeans, sorghum, and sunflower from the 2023/2024 summer season, which was impacted by El Niño. Since April 1, the private sector has imported 974,658 metric tonnes of maize, wheat, and wheat flour, while the government has brought in 39,916 metric tonnes of maize, bolstering the Strategic Grain Reserve to 244,296 metric tonnes.
The government’s ongoing Food Deficit Mitigation Programme has provided 197,628 metric tonnes of grain to vulnerable households since February, Muswere said. Additionally, 17,421 metric tonnes of mealie-meal have been distributed to schools under the Emergency Schools Feeding Programme since the third term began, ensuring students receive a meal each school day.
Zimbabwe’s 2024 winter wheat harvest has surpassed the previous year’s record, with 518,502 metric tonnes gathered from 106,238 hectares by November 1. Muswere credited President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s strategic planning for the program’s success. Over 291 configured combine harvesters are currently working in the fields, with the total wheat yield expected to exceed 550,000 metric tonnes. Already, 75,000 metric tonnes have been delivered to the Grain Marketing Board.
Looking ahead, the 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to boost cereal production to 3.3 million metric tonnes, marking a projected 347% increase in overall crop production volumes from 915,000 metric tonnes to more than 4 million metric tonnes. Under the Presidential Input Scheme, 91% of targeted plots have been prepared by 86% of the 3.5 million participating households. Half of the inputs are expected to reach beneficiaries by November 24.
In response to input abuse concerns, Muswere said officials involved in misuse would be blacklisted, and ward committees engaged in abuse would be banned. New operating procedures with clarified roles will also be implemented to ensure accountability.
Under the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme, the government plans to cultivate 52,500 hectares of maize, soybeans, traditional grains, and sunflower, aiming for a yield of 256,000 metric tonnes. The private sector will fund an additional 95,046 hectares for crops, while ARDA, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, will plant 100,000 hectares of maize and 50,000 hectares of traditional grains. Cotton production is targeted at 270,000 hectares, with support for 418,800 farmers, while tobacco production is projected to reach 300 million kilograms, with 117,000 growers registered to date.