Zimbabwe’s Projected Maize Harvest to Exceed National Requirements

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Zimbabwe is set to harvest nearly two million tonnes of maize this season, surpassing the country’s annual maize requirement of 1.8 million tonnes for human consumption. This positive projection marks a significant improvement for the agriculture sector, which faced severe challenges during the 2023/2024 El Niño-induced drought.

The encouraging outlook stems from favourable rains received during the critical mid-season period at the turn of the year. Data is being gathered through the Second Round Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA 2), conducted by Agricultural Business Advisers (ABAs) across 1,600 wards nationwide.

Their data will guide planning and policy decisions on crop performance, livestock health, and fisheries activity.

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Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, highlighted the rebound in agricultural productivity: “We have had a very, very good season, which we think will give us more than what we require. This is a marked improvement compared to last year’s drought disaster.”

Although the season began with a five-week dry spell, consistent rains from December to early March transformed crop prospects in most provinces, barring some areas in Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central where rainfall remained limited. Prof Jiri noted that abundant water in provinces such as Masvingo and Matabeleland has boosted agricultural activity.

Preliminary assessments using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) show strong potential for a robust harvest. NDVI, a tool used to assess plant health through light reflection patterns, confirms healthy biomass and increased production of maize and traditional grains across farming areas.

Provincial directors of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) shared similar optimism. Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa, ARDAS director for Mashonaland Central, reported that “approximately 75 percent of crops are in good condition, and harvesting is underway.” Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi of Mashonaland West added that crops from Pfumvudza/Intwasa and irrigated farming systems are performing well.

In Matabeleland North, while the early maize crop thrived, late crops suffered due to abrupt rainfall cessation. However, progress was noted for sorghum and pearl millet thanks to residual moisture, according to ARDAS director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu. In Mashonaland East, ARDAS acting director Mr Caristo Nobert Masiwa remarked that southern districts benefitted from improved rainfall distribution later in the season.

Leaders in farming organisations have echoed the optimism. Dr Shadreck Makombe, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, affirmed, “The situation is looking good, and we anticipate strong harvests.” Similarly, Ms Monica Chinamasa, president of the Zimbabwe National Farmers Union, stated, “Although the season started with challenges, it improved greatly, making us look forward to excellent results.”

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