Harare, (New Ziana) –Zimbabwe’s 2025 winter wheat target remains the same as the previous year at 600 000 metric tons to be grown on 120 000 hectares.
Last year wheat farmers planted 121 962 ha as the country produced about 92 percent of its target, positively impacting the country’s efforts to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere told the media that his Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development counterpart, Dr Anxious Masuka had briefed Cabinet on the country’s water security and preparedness for the winter cropping season on Tuesday.
He said as of March 13 this year, the 151 major dams across the country that had been monitored to verify existing irrigation capacities were 88.5 percent full while the average national levels stood at 82 percent, the same as was recorded last year at the same time.
“The 2025 Winter Cereal Production target for three major crops is 135 250 hectares, with wheat on 120 000 hectares, barley on 6 500 hectares, and Irish potatoes on 8 750 hectares,” he said.
“The Wheat Plan aims to produce 600 000 metric tons, surpassing the national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tons. Additionally, barley and potato production are expected to rise to 39 000 and 263 250 metric tons, respectively.”
To ensure the success of the plan, Dr Muswere said the government will closely monitor 21 critical enablers that include power, water, seed, fertiliser and fuel.
Also to be monitored will be financial support enablers comprising farmer payments, finance and insurance and operational efficiency enablers comprising mechanization, coordination and contract farming.
The same will be done for risk management enablers comprising migratory pests, land issues, security, and veld fire management as well as capacity-building, the policy regulatory environment, soil management, marketing, and monitoring and evaluation, all being done using a whole of government and a whole of sector approach.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also received an update of the food deficit mitigation program from the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, who said the 4th blitz food distribution exercise to cushion the most vulnerable food-insecure households as they await harvest of their produce is underway.
“Nationally, a cumulative total of 45 513.23 metric tonnes of grain has been distributed to the communities in need under the exercise. In addition, the cumulative distribution under the Zunde raMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi stands at 4 372.51 metric tonnes of grain. Processes are underway to replenish grain stocks allocated to the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Cash-for-Cereal Program continues,” he said.
New Ziana
