Harare: Zimbabwe is embarking on an ambitious agricultural drive, aiming to dramatically increase major crop production by 340% for the coming 2024/25 summer season. This bold move comes in the wake of a devastating drought and widespread crop failures that led the government to declare a national state of disaster in 2024.  

Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, announced the government’s plans at a post-cabinet press briefing, outlining a strategy designed to propel the nation towards food self-sufficiency.

“The government’s Grain Marketing Board has sufficient reserves to sustain rural communities until the next harvest in April 2025,” Masuka assured the public. He also acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in maintaining grain supplies, noting that 1.35 million tons of grain were imported between April 2024 and February 2025.  

The government has issued import permits for a total of five million tons of maize, indicating the scale of the effort to bolster national food reserves.  

The cornerstone of the government’s strategy is the 2024/25 Summer Season Plan, which aims to increase grain production to 3.2 million tons, a stark contrast to the 744,000 tons recorded in the previous, drought-stricken season.  

Beyond grain, significant growth is also being seen in other key agricultural sectors. Cotton production has surged, with a 40% increase in planted area, reaching 203,875 hectares.  

“Tobacco farming continues to grow,” Masuka reported, “with 127,000 growers registered for the 2024/25 season, a 10% rise compared to last year. The total planted area for tobacco stands at 132,851 hectares, a 16% increase.”  

These figures paint a picture of a nation determined to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and achieve food security. The government’s ambitious targets reflect a commitment to revitalizing Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and building a more resilient future.