Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – In a briefing to members of the press during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, shared an update on Zimbabwe’s food security outlook and the government’s plan for the upcoming 2024/2025 summer season.
“The Cabinet has received a comprehensive update from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, on the food security situation in the country,” said Dr. Muswere. “I am pleased to report that the existing total stock in the Strategic Grain Reserve, comprising wheat, maize and traditional grains, amounts to 245,052 metric tonnes. This should be sufficient to meet the projected consumption through the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, Zunde RaMambo and the School Feeding Programme for the period of December 2024 to March 2025, which is estimated at 241,089 metric tonnes.”
Dr. Muswere further highlighted the government’s efforts to boost agricultural production, stating, “A record 563,961 metric tonnes of wheat had been harvested to date, surpassing the 465,548 metric tonnes achieved in 2023. The Private Sector will continue to import for commercial purpose, stock feed and assist in the combating of drought.”
Regarding the 2024/2025 summer season plan, the minister revealed ambitious targets. “The 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to increase production of cereals to 3,274,200 metric tonnes, against the 744,271 metric tonnes obtained during the 2023/2024 summer season. The overall production volumes of major crops are expected to increase by 347% from a mere 915,000 metric tonnes to over 4 million metric tonnes.”
Dr. Muswere added, “The production target for cereals is 3.3 million metric tonnes, while that for pulses is 819,500 metric tonnes. To date, over 746,238 hectares of maize have been planted under various support programmes, being 41.5% of the target. Under the Presidential Input Schemes, 117% of the targeted 9 million plots have been prepared by 116% of the targeted 3 million rural households.”
The Minister also addressed the ongoing dry spell, stating, “Regarding the current dry spell, agronomic advisory from AGRITEX should guide farmers at the local level. A prediction by the Meteorological Services of normal to above normal rainfall is still in place.”
Dr. Muswere expressed confidence in the government’s ability to achieve these ambitious targets, stating, “With the combined efforts of the government, the private sector, and the resilience of our farmers, I believe we can overcome the challenges and ensure food security for all Zimbabweans.”
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