Over 80pc of the targeted 3,1m hectares planted
A TOTAL of 2,5 million hectares have so far been planted against a target of 3,1 million ha in the 2023/2024 summer cropping season, official figures show.
According to a weekly report released by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development yesterday, farmers across the country are continuing with planting following the heavy rains being recorded.
“A total of 2,5 million ha of crops have been planted so far, against the targeted 3,1 million hectares.
“The heavy rains experienced will allow a good harvest for most farmers, despite the late planting which was caused by El Nino-induced drought,” said the report.
Last year, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned of EI Nino conditions that could severely impact farm output in Zimbabwe and some regional countries in the 2023/2024 summer farming season.
On account of the predicted El-Nino condition in the 2023/2024 summer cropping season, the Government and the private sector have proactively collaborated to mitigate the adverse impact of the dry weather condition on agriculture.
Mitigatory initiatives in place include continued implementation of climate proof agriculture concepts like the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme. So far, the Government said: “A total of 11,5 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots have been achieved across the nation.
“A great milestone indeed towards food security. The Government continues to support farmers in order for them to meet targets, three plots per household are encouraged.”
Farmers have also been encouraged to focus on increased yield through best agronomic practices. Such practices include exercising maximum weed control, practicing split fertiliser application, and watching out for fall armyworm, African armyworm and quelea birds.
“Scout fields two to three days for fall armyworm and make a decision to spray with appropriately registered pesticides.
“Scout and spray in the morning or late evening,” said the report.
Zimbabwe continues to exhibit its agricultural prowess attaining high yields in several crops and thus, topping on the African continent. Since the advent of the Second Republic, farming has been prioritised with President Mnangagwa persistently calling for improved production and productivity.
The Government expects agriculture to grow to a US$13,75 billion industry by 2025 after the sector in 2021 hit the initial target of US$8,2 billion, underpinned by improved productivity and production across all sub-sectors.
The growth was driven by the successful implementation of the Agriculture Recovery and Growth Plan that was launched in 2020 to promote food security, import substitution, diversified exports, and value addition, among others.
The US$8,2 billion initial target was surpassed in 2021, as agriculture grew to an average of six percent. Last year, the sector was estimated to register a 9,7 percent growth rate.
Underpinned by a cocktail of Government and private sector interventions in the grain sector, maize output spiked by 200 percent to 2,3 million tonnes last year from 780 000 tonnes in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Government has deployed a team of 60 experts to assess and inspect agriculture sector performance countrywide as part of implementation of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.
The strategy is a five-year programme launched in 2019 with a view to boost Zimbabwe’s food production.
The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy is positioned to create a robust agriculture sector that will turnaround the economy and achieve food and nutrition security in the face of increasing population and climate change.
