Harare — Zimbabwe’s maize production for the 2024/25 season is expected to reach 2.29 million metric tonnes — the fourth highest in the country’s history — following a 6.4% increase in the area planted, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said Tuesday.
Presenting the findings of the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report during a post-Cabinet briefing, Muswere said maize hectarage rose from 1.72 million hectares in 2023/24 to 1.83 million hectares this season, surpassing the national target of 1.8 million hectares.
There were notable increases in other crops: tobacco production rose by 15%, cotton by 52%, and sunflower by a staggering 303%.
The national cattle herd also grew slightly to 5.7 million — a 0.4% increase from last year — with communal farmers accounting for 64% of the total. Beef production rose to 94,623 metric tonnes in 2024, up from 90,000 tonnes in 2023.
In the dairy sector, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Midlands contributed 89% of the 115 million litres of milk produced in 2024 — a 10% rise from the previous year. Fish production totalled 31,296 metric tonnes, while crocodile skin sales climbed by 34%.
