Zimbabwe’s food security prospects have received a significant boost, with the government targeting a 340% increase in major crop production for the 2024/2025 summer season, a move set to enhance national self-sufficiency and rural livelihoods.
The update, presented during the first post-Cabinet press briefing of 2025 by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, highlighted that the Grain Marketing Board has enough reserves to sustain rural communities until the next harvest in April 2025.
The private sector has been instrumental in maintaining grain supply, importing a total of 1.35 million metric tonnes between April 2024 and February 2025, comprising 1.13 million metric tonnes of maize, 220,092 metric tonnes of wheat, and 374 metric tonnes of wheat flour.
The government has issued 1,021 maize import permits for a total of 5 million metric tonnes while closely monitoring stock levels, import prices, and supply sources to prevent arbitrage. The 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to increase cereal production to 3.2 million metric tonnes, a substantial jump from the 744,000 metric tonnes recorded in the previous season, with overall major crop production expected to rise from 915,000 metric tonnes to over 4 million metric tonnes.
Preliminary data indicates that 99% of the targeted maize area has been planted, while the Zimbabwe Statistics-led Government-wide First Round Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment is being finalized to provide a more accurate picture of crop plantings. Under the Presidential Input Scheme, the farming sector has already surpassed its target, achieving 11.4 million plots against the projected 9.5 million plots, marking a 20% increase above target and a 16% rise from the 2023/2024 season’s 9.8 million plots.
Cotton farming has also expanded significantly, with the total planted area reaching 203,875 hectares, a 40% increase from the 145,265 hectares recorded in the previous season. Tobacco farming continues to grow, with 127,000 growers registered for the 2024/2025 season, reflecting a 10% rise compared to the same period last year, and 92% of these farmers participating under contract. The total planted area for tobacco stands at 132,851 hectares, a 16% increase from the previous season.
As part of the Tobacco Food Security Initiatives, tobacco merchants are supporting contracted farmers with maize and sorghum inputs, reinforcing the government’s broader agenda to enhance agricultural sustainability and ensure food security for all Zimbabweans.
