Harare, (New Ziana) –Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has posted robust gains across key crops and livestock categories, signaling a positive trajectory for national food security and rural livelihoods.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday.
Dr Muswere said Cabinet had received and considered the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report, which offers a detailed snapshot of the country’s agricultural performance in the 2024/25 season.
“The area planted to maize increased from 1 728 897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1 839 373 hectares this season,” he said.
“This represents a 6.4 increase and is marginally above our national target of 1.8 million hectares.”
He noted that the expansion in planted area has translated into a projected maize output of 2 293 556 metric tons, making it the fourth highest production level in Zimbabwean history.
In addition to maize, the report highlights significant growth in several strategic cash crops with tobacco production increasing by 15 percent and cotton by 52 percent.
Most notably, sunflower production experienced a dramatic 303 percent leap, underscoring successful policy interventions aimed at boosting oilseed cultivation.
“The livestock sector also showed incremental progress. Zimbabwe’s national cattle herd now stands at 5.7 million, a 0.4 percent rise from the previous year, with communal farmers maintaining a strong presence by holding 64 percent of the total herd,” he said.
He added that beef production climbed to 94 623 metric tons, up from 90 000 metric tons in 2023, while in the dairy sector, milk production reached 115 million litres in last year, a 10 percent rise from the previous year.
Fisheries and wildlife-based industries also recorded strong performances with overall fish production for 2024 standing at 31 296 metric tons, while crocodile skin sales rose by 34%, reflecting increased activity in the aquaculture and exotic animal sectors.
The positive report provides a ray of hope amid global climate uncertainties, positioning Zimbabwe as a resilient and growing agricultural economy in the region.
New Ziana
