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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]

FARMERS across Matabeleland have expressed optimism following the ongoing rains, which have significantly improved the outlook for the 2024/25 farming season, with the Government projecting a bumper harvest of 3,2 million metric tonnes of grain.

The wet spell, which has been consistent since the onset of the planting season, has revitalised fields, with crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet showing healthy growth.

A thriving maize crop along Plumtree road yesterday

Farmers in both Matabeleland North and South have hailed the rains as a relief, as some crops, particularly in areas such as Hwange District, were beginning to show signs of moisture stress.

The Government has stated that major crop production volumes for the current farming season are expected to increase by 340 percent, from 915 000 metric tonnes to over four million metric tonnes.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) director for Matabeleland North, Mr Thulani Ndlovu, said crops that were struggling were those planted during the last rains in late December to early this year, with maize being the most affected compared to traditional grains.

“With the recent rains, I am sure the maize crop will now recover. Our traditional grains were not affected much. For those who planted much earlier, particularly maize, it was not much of a concern as their crop is now at the tasselling stage,” said Mr Ndlovu.

His Matabeleland South counterpart, Mr Bheki Ncube, echoed the same sentiments, adding that top-dressing fertiliser was now needed.

“Crops were beginning to show signs of permanent wilting. We had 20 days without any rain, and our farmers were becoming concerned, but fortunately, the rains arrived just in time.

“Crops are now showing some life, even though farmers may still need top-dressing fertiliser,” he said.
A farmer from Maraposa Village in Umguza District, Mr Jaheni Ncube, said he was relieved at the resumption of the rains and was now looking forward to a bumper harvest.

“We were beginning to worry after a prolonged dry spell as our crops were showing signs of stress, but with these rains, our hopes of a good harvest have been revived,” he said.

Ms Lindiwe Ndlovu, a communal farmer in the Kasibo area of Hwange District, said this season’s rains have restored hope among smallholder farmers.

“We planted early this time, following the weather forecast that predicted good rains. Our crops are growing well, and if the rains continue, we are confident of a good yield,” she said.

Mr Itani Ndou, a farmer from Shashe in Beitbridge District, said the availability of water following the ongoing rains has boosted their confidence, ensuring that crops receive adequate moisture even in the event of dry spells.

“The current rains have replenished our water sources. This gives us confidence that we will have a better harvest compared to previous years,” he said.

Dr Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Servces.

In his post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Government is confident of surpassing the national grain requirements.

He said the 2024/25 summer season plan aims to increase cereal production to 3.2 million metric tonnes, from the 744,000 metric tonnes produced during the 2023/24 summer season.

“The overall production volumes of major crops are expected to increase by 340 percent, from a mere 915,000 metric tonnes to over four million metric tonnes. Preliminary data shows that about 99 percent of the maize area targeted for the 2024/25 season has been planted,” he said.

Dr Muswere stated that the Government-led First Round Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment, which is being finalised, will provide more accurate statistics and reveal the extent of crop plantings.

Under the Presidential Input Scheme, the farming sector has achieved 11.4 million plots from a targeted 9.5 million plots, which translates to 20 percent above the target and 16 percent above the 2023/24 season performance of 9.8 million plots.
The total area planted under cotton is 203,875 hectares, reflecting a 40 percent increase from the 145,265 hectares recorded in the 2023/24 season.

Grain Marketing Board (GMB)

On food security, Dr Muswere said the current grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board is sufficient to meet the needs of rural communities until the next harvest, expected in April 2025.

He stated that a total of 1,349,877 metric tonnes, comprising 1,127,411 metric tonnes of maize, 220,092 metric tonnes of wheat, and 374 metric tonnes of wheat flour, were imported by the private sector from April 2024 to 2nd February.
“To date, 1,021 maize import permits have been issued to import five million metric tonnes. The Government continues to monitor import volumes, stocks at millers, import prices, and import sources to eliminate arbitrage opportunities,” said Dr Muswere.

The Meteorological Services Department has urged farmers to continue monitoring weather patterns and adhere to best farming practices to maximise yields. Zimbabwe is experiencing a La Niña weather season, which is expected to be characterised by normal to above-normal rainfall.

The anticipated bumper harvest is expected to bolster the country’s food security and reduce reliance on grain imports. If the projections hold, the surplus grain could be utilised for strategic reserves and export markets, further strengthening the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national economy.