Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe expects good harvests
this year if the rains being received throughout the country persist, a
senior government official has said.

The country aims to increase cereal production during the 2024/2025
season to 3.27 million metric tons, up from the 744 000 metric tons
achieved in the previous one, while the production target for pulses
(beans, lentils and peas) is set at 819 500 metric tons.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent
Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said crops throughout the country are in
a very good state except in Seke, near Harare, where the crop size is
lower than expected.

He said about 65 percent of the maize crop is at the tasseling stage
while 35 percent, comprising crops planted late December and early
January,  is at the early vegetative stage.

“Yes if the rains continue, we should have good harvests for those crops
that are in the fields,” he said.

“For livestock, so far so good, good grazing and water for livestock.
Livestock conditions have also improved.”

The government aims for a substantial increase in cereal production,
particularly maize, through initiatives like the Presidential
(Pfumvudza/Intwasa) program, potentially leading to a much improved
harvest compared to the previous years. However, the success will depend
on favourable weather conditions and continued access to inputs for
farmers.

It has set an ambitious target to produce over 3.2 million metric tons
of cereals in the 2024/2025 summer season compared to 744 000MT in the
previous season when the country suffered a severe El Nino-induced
drought.

The Presidential (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) Inputs program is central to
boosting production by providing inputs and support to small-scale
farmers across the country.

But even with the projected improvement, some regions might still face
food insecurity due to the lingering effects of the recent drought.

New Ziana