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Mashudu Netsianda and Ashley Phiri, Chronicle Writers

GOVERNMENT has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost cereal production to over 3,2 million tonnes in the 2024/2025 summer season, significantly surpassing about 750  000 metric tonnes harvested during the 2023/2024 season to achieve food security.

The bold target is part of the Government’s broader effort to improve food security and recovery from the El Niño-induced drought that severely affected crop yields in the previous season.

Following the launch of the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa small-scale farming scheme by President Mnangagwa in Buhera last month, the distribution of inputs is rolling across provinces with farmers collecting the inputs at their nearest Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots, while the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has also predicted heavy rains starting next week, raising expectations of a successful farming season.

Grain Marketing Board

Farmers across the country are optimistic about the upcoming season, especially given predictions of normal to above-normal rainfall. The early distribution of inputs, coupled with favourable weather forecasts, has created an environment conducive to increased agricultural productivity.

The devastating El Niño drought left many parts of the country struggling to meet basic needs, depleting national food reserves and frustrating the livestock sector. With improved weather conditions expected, farmers now have the opportunity to produce more, not only for immediate consumption but also to replenish reserves.

To maximise yields, Government has tailored Pfumvudza/Intwasa input packages to suit different agro-ecological zones, ensuring that farmers receive the right resources for their specific environments.

The MSD has forecasted scattered showers for today and tomorrow in regions such as Masvingo and southern Manicaland, with isolated thunderstorms expected in Matabeleland North and South provinces later in the week.

MSD advised farmers to consult with Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) officers for guidance on planting strategies based on local water availability and crop requirements.

“Isolated thundershowers are expected under mostly cloudy skies countrywide. It should be warm in most places, though windy in Masvingo. Most areas are expected to be mild and cloudy, with Matabeleland South, Masvingo and the southern parts of Manicaland Province being cool and windy,” said the agency in its latest public update.

“Rainfall is very much localised, consult your local Ardas officers for advice on what to plant and when to plant, taking into account the water requirements for specific plant stages.”

Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere

Over the past few days, most parts of the country experienced scorching heat exacerbated by moisture from a weather system over Botswana.
Land preparation is in full swing, with about 70 percent of the targeted Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots ready for planting.

In his post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere revealed that the overall production volumes of major crops are expected to rise by 347 percent, from 915 000 metric tonnes to over 4 million metric tonnes.

He said the 2024/2025 summer season aims to increase cereal production to 3,27 million metric tonnes, up from the 744 000 metric tonnes achieved in the previous season. The production target for pulses is set at 819 500 metric tonnes.

“The production target for cereals is 3,3 million metric tonnes, while that for pulses is 819 500 metric tonnes. Under the Presidential Input Schemes, 91 percent of the targeted 9,5 million plots have been prepared by 86 percent of the targeted 3,5 million households,” said Dr Muswere.

These efforts are aligned with Government’s Agriculture, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation Strategy, which seeks to mitigate the effects of the 2023/2024 drought and capitalise on favourable La Niña conditions in the upcoming season.

To ensure the proper use of distributed inputs, Dr Muswere said the Government has adopted several measures, including the blacklisting of officials involved in the misuse of inputs and the banning of ward committees found to have participated in such activities. Beneficiaries are expected to receive 50 percent of their inputs by November 24.

“The National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme will establish a total of 52 500 hectares under maize, soya bean, traditional grains and sunflower, with a target to produce 256 000 metric tonnes,” said Dr Muswere.

In addition, the private sector has committed to funding 95 046 hectares of maize, soya beans, potatoes, sugar beans, and sunflower. Arda will plant 100 000 hectares of maize and 50  000 hectares of traditional grains. The private sector also aims to support 418 800 cotton farmers to plant 270 000 hectares of cotton, while the tobacco production target for the 2024/2025 season is set at 300 million kilogrammes.

As part of ongoing efforts to address food insecurity, Government has distributed 197  628 796 metric tonnes of grain to vulnerable households through the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme since February 2024.

“Additionally, Government has also distributed 17 421 metric tonnes of mealie-meal to schools under the Emergency Schools Feeding Programme since the beginning of the third term, with a view of ensuring learners get a decent meal on each school day,” said Dr Muswere.

The 2024 winter wheat production has also yielded positive results, with a record crop of 518 502 metric tonnes harvested from 106 238 hectares as of November 1. This surpasses the 465 546 metric tonnes achieved in 2023, with more than 75 000 metric tonnes already delivered to the GMB.

Dr Muswere credited the success of the winter wheat programme to the strategic leadership and planning of President Mnangagwa. Harvesting efforts are ongoing, supported by 291 configured combine harvesters and over 550  000 metric tonnes of wheat are expected in total.

To date, the GMB has received 20  148 metric tonnes of maize, soya beans, sorghum and sunflower from the drought-affected 2023/2024 season. The private sector has imported 974  658 metric tonnes of maize, wheat and wheat flour since April 2024, while the Government has imported an additional 39 916 metric tonnes of maize. The total Strategic Grain Reserve stock currently stands at 244 296 metric tonnes.