by Tafanana Kwedu

Zimbabwe’s grain production for the season 2019/20 has increased significantly compared to the previous season due to timely Government intervention, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Prof Mthuli Ncube has said.

Presenting the 2020 Mid Term Budget Review to Parliament yesterday Prof Ncube said grain production had raised by 24 percent.

“With regards to agriculture, the sector was relatively spared by the pandemic Covid-19. Increased rains were received across the country from mid-January through to the month of February, leading to an improved crop condition.

“The 2020 Second Round Crop and Livestock Assessment Report indicates that grain production increased by 24 percent from 852 000 metric tons to 1 060 000 metric tons in 2020,” Prof Ncube said.

Prof Ncube also said traditional grains production for the 2019/20 season was estimated at 152 515 metric tons which is 103% more compared to 75 209 metric tons in 2018/2019.

“The increase is attributed to increased support extended to farmers under the Presidential Input Scheme, encouragement by the Government as well as capacity building of farmers,” he said.

Economic experts contend that an increase in grain production will result in a decline in imports (both food and raw materials), an increase in exports and increased jobs.

One of the major targets enshrined in the country’s Vision 2030 is for the country to be food secure by then.