Maize harvest to exceed national requirements . . .Boost to national food security . . .Nearly 2 million tonnes expected

Source: Maize harvest to exceed national requirements . . .Boost to national food security . . .Nearly 2 million tonnes expected | The Sunday Mail

President Mnangagwa continues to advocate agricultural production and productivity to ensure both household and national food security

Theseus Shambare

ZIMBABWE expects to harvest nearly two million tonnes of maize, preliminary data from the ongoing Second Round Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA 2) has shown.

The maize haul will exceed the country’s annual maize requirement of 1,8 million tonnes for human consumption, significantly boosting national food security.

The forecast follows widespread favourable rains during the critical mid-season period at the turn of the year and marks a strong rebound for the agriculture sector, which was battered by the El Niño-induced drought during the 2023/2024 summer cropping season.

The CLAFA 2 is being carried out by hundreds of agricultural business advisers (ABAs) — formerly Agritex officers — who have been deployed across all 1 600 wards nationwide.

Presently, the officers are collecting data on crop performance, livestock health and fisheries activity.

They are collecting data on planting areas, crop conditions, livestock numbers and fish production, which will guide the authorities on planning and policy.

While final figures are yet to be released as the exercise enters the home stretch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said the projected maize harvest will exceed national requirements.

“We have had a very, very good season, which we think will give us more than what we require,” he said.

“Remember, we require 1,8 million tonnes for human consumption.

“We will certainly get more than that this season.

“I would say that we cannot even compare with the last season, since that was a drought disaster year.

“We are much, much better and in a much more comfortable position in terms of food security compared to a couple of years ago.”

The summer cropping season, Prof Jiri said, had a rough start due to a five-week dry spell early on.

However, consistent rains from December to early March transformed the outlook for most provinces — with the exception of some parts of Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central.

“By and large, the rainfall was good in the southern part, to the extent that all our dams in Masvingo, in Matabeleland are full.

“In fact, we have more water in all the provinces compared to last year, except Mashonaland Central. That is where we have less water,” he added.

A preliminary normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) assessment, he said, indicates strong harvest potential.

NDVI is a widely used graphical indicator or calculation to analyse satellite or aerial imagery and determine the presence, density and health of live green vegetation.

It works by analysing the way plants reflect light at certain wavelengths.

Healthy, green vegetation absorbs most visible light for photosynthesis and reflects a significant amount of near-infrared light.

In contrast, sparse or unhealthy vegetation reflects more visible light and less near-infrared light.

“We have done a preliminary NDVI assessment, which generally assesses the biomass of what is there, and, yes, in terms of biomass, it indicates that we are heading towards a very, very good harvest,” said Prof Jiri.

“In terms of the assessment, when we go in the rural areas, in the farming areas, we see that there is actually more production.

“You can see more maize; you can see more of the traditional grains and more crops generally.”

Positive outlook

Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) directors who spoke to The Sunday Mail are of the same opinion.

In Mashonaland Central, ARDAS director Mrs Phillipa Rwambiwa said crops are largely in good condition, with harvesting underway.

“The majority of our crops, about 75 percent, are in good condition, and harvesting is underway as we simultaneously advance our winter wheat preparations,” she said.

Mashonaland West ARDAS director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said: “Currently, the province has a good crop that is being harvested mainly from Pfumvudza/Intwasa and irrigated farming systems.”

In Matabeleland North, ARDAS director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said: “While our first maize crop is in good condition, the late crop failed due to the abrupt end of rains.

“Fortunately, late sorghum and pearl millet have shown fair progress, thanks to residual moisture.

“Overall, livestock conditions are good, water sources are replenished and we are moving forward with winter wheat registration.”

In Mashonaland East, the crop condition is generally good.

“The data collection exercise is now completed and I can say that the province is having a good season, although the start was slow due to erratic rainfall distribution,” Mashonaland East ARDAS acting director Mr Caristo Nobert Masiwa said.

“Crop establishment in the first half of the season wasn’t ideal, but the southern districts fared better. We are now in the phase of cleaning the data and report writing, and once complete, our principals will share the national report.”

Further data from ARDAS reveals that a significant portion of the maize crop is nearing maturity, with an increased area planted compared to last year.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said “the situation is looking good”.

“We are looking forward to good harvests,” he said.

Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Ms Monica Chinamasa added: “Although the season started with a dry spell, it improved greatly, making us look forward to great results.”