Staff Reporter
The Government is charting a path towards a prosperous 2023/24 farming season, aiming for surplus production in key crops including maize, soya beans, sunflower, sorghum, millet, and cotton.
These crops have been identified as top priorities for the nation’s agricultural agenda.
Minister Jenfan Muswere, in yesterday’s post-cabinet briefing in Harare, outlined the Government's comprehensive strategy to boost agricultural production.
The Minister mentioned various financing models that would be employed, including the Pfumvudza/Intwasa initiative, Government-facilitated bank finance, engagement with the private sector, and encouraging self-financing among farmers.
“The nation is informed that the country is targeting to produce 2,800,000 metric tonnes (mt) of maize, 120,000 mt of soya beans, 150,000 mt of sunflower, 350,000 mt of sorghum, 92,658 mt of pearl millet, and 270,000 mt of cotton during the 2023/2024 summer season. Production will be under various funding programmes, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Government facilitated bank financing, private sector financing, and self-financing. Government and seed associations have released crop and variety suitability information to assist all stakeholders in the selection of appropriate varieties for their agro-ecological zones. All this information on the suitable varieties per region is available from the nearest Agricultural Extension Officers,” Minister Muswere detailed.
Furthermore, the Government was proactively providing critical resources such as fertilisers, training, and tractors to support the Pfumvudza/Intwasa mechanisation and enhance farming productivity in the upcoming season.
“Regarding fertilisers, the current local stock stands at 84,146.80 mt, and consultations are underway to forestall any shortages. The nation is informed that there has been substantial progress in the establishment of farmer field schools, which enhance farmer training. Plot preparation under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme is being accelerated, with a target to complete three plots per farmer by the extended deadline of November 15, 2023. The country expects to surpass previous-year records. Over 3.8 million plots have already been prepared, which is higher than previous seasons. A total of 13,628 tractors are available for tillage, and this fleet is sufficient for the targeted area,” added Minister Muswere.
The Minister also highlighted the promising prospects of irrigation for maize production, with an estimated yield of up to 500,000 mt from around 70,316 hectares.
As of October 29, 2023, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) reported holdings of 200,245 mt of maize and 48,243 mt of traditional grains.
The wheat stock is sufficient to last up to 9.4 months, with a monthly drawdown rate of 21,000 mt. This data reflects a nation on the brink of agricultural success, with strategic plans in place to ensure sustainable food production and security.
