Staff Reporter
Cabinet has introduced measures to strengthen agriculture and food security in response to the El Niño-induced drought.
During the post-cabinet press briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting services, Jenfan Muswere highlighted the need to align agricultural techniques with the nation's various agro-ecological zones.
“Adapting our farming methods to our specific environmental conditions and fully embracing the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation approach is crucial for enhancing productivity,” said Minister Muswere
To address cereal shortages, Government has informed that it will import 300,000 metric tonnes of maize, and the GMB will take on the responsibility of facilitating the movement of surplus grain to deficit areas
“Our wheat-based food security strategy is expected to contribute over 300 000 metric tonnes to the strategic grain reserve, targeting the maximum social welfare requirement of 780,000 metric tonnes," Muswere added.
In reference to horticulture Government stated that it was focusing on developing 10,000 Village Business Units across all provinces.
“To support this initiative, drilling rigs have been redistributed, and significant progress has been made with the distribution of 1,329,128 vegetable packs and 1,294,000 sweet potato virus-free elite vines to 72,520 farmers
“So far, 229 of the targeted 10,000 Village Business Units have been established," Minister Muswere added
Livestock resilience strategies include producing a substantial number of hay bales and refurbishing numerous dip tanks.
"Our plan involves producing 1,464,756 hay bales and rehabilitating 1,000 dip tanks. Moreover, we will expedite the distribution of 18 million indigenous chickens and 1.8 million goats under the Presidential Poultry and Goat Schemes. These measures are critical to sustaining our livestock during this challenging period," noted Minister Muswere.
The fisheries sector will see the promotion of commercial cage fishing on 134 dams and the establishment of 20,000 fishponds within 10,000 Village Business Units by November 2024.
“Currently, 59 dams are stocked with 465,000 fingerlings. This initiative aims to boost fish production and create business opportunities in our rural communities," Muswere explained.
Regarding water and irrigation, Zimbabwe is leveraging its substantial water resources, including 10,600 dams with the potential to irrigate 1.46 million hectares.
"The Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan has increased the annual area under irrigation fourfold since 2020, now totaling 219,000 hectares, with a target of 496,000 hectares by 2026,” Minister Muswere emphasized
Moreover, Government has assured the nation of solid drought mitigation strategies and adequate grain stocks in the Strategic Grain Reserve to last until year-end.
