Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has recorded significant gains in the 2024/25 season, with maize output reaching the fourth-highest level in the country’s history, according to the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Reportpresented to Cabinet this week.

Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, said the report demonstrates a strong recovery in the agriculture sector, driven by increased production across crops, livestock and fisheries.

“Despite the challenges of climate change and economic constraints, Zimbabwe’s farmers have delivered one of the most promising seasons in recent years. The report shows a commendable rise in maize production and significant growth in cash crops, which is a clear indication of resilience, strategic planning, and government support mechanisms,” Minister Muswere said

The total area planted maize, Zimbabwe’s staple food crop, grew by 6.4%, from 1,728,897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1,839,373 hectares in 2024/25season. This expansion has resulted in an estimated output of 2,293,556 metric tonnes of maize, comfortably exceeding the Government’s target of 1.8 million hectares.

Minister Muswere said the growth in output was aided by timely input distribution, improved access to resources, and adoption of climate-smart farming techniques, especially in rural areas.

“This is not just a statistical improvement, it directly strengthens food security and rural livelihoods,” he said.

In addition to staple crops, Zimbabwe also saw major improvements in cash crop performance. Tobacco production increased by 15%, cotton production rose by 52%, and sunflower production saw a dramatic 303% increase. These gains are being linked to enhanced farmer support schemes and market-driven incentives.

Minister Muswere said the agricultural gains are critical to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.

“This performance reinforces agriculture’s role as the backbone of our economy and a driver of our rural development agenda. It brings us a step closer to achieving Vision 2030,” Muswere noted

Meanwhile, the livestock sector also showed a modest but steady upward trend. The national cattle herd rose slightly to 5.7 million, with 64% of the herd found in communal areas. Beef production reached 94,623 metric tonnes in 2024, up from 90,000 metric tonnes in the previous year, thanks to better animal health management and feed supplementation.