The government has unveiled a comprehensive 2024/2025 summer season production plan aimed at mitigating the impacts of the drought on the country’s food security and economy.
The plan, which was revealed by Minister Jenfan Muswere yesterday, focuses on ensuring sufficient production of food and feed crops, oilseeds, and industrial crops for both local consumption and export.
The government is targeting a significant increase in cereal production, with a goal of producing over 3.2 million metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 season, compared to around 750,000 metric tonnes produced during the 2023/2024 season.
This represents a substantial increase of over 300% and is expected to help alleviate food shortages and reduce reliance on imports.
Maize production is expected to be a key component of the plan, with an aim to increase production from 635,000 metric tonnes to 2.7 million metric tonnes.
Additionally, the average yield per hectare is expected to rise from 0.8 metric tonnes to 1.5 metric tonnes, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity and resilience.
The plan also includes initiatives to improve irrigation systems, soil conservation, and crop rotation practices to ensure that farmers are better equipped to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Furthermore, the government will provide support to small-scale farmers through provision of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
Farmers are encouraged to adopt innovative agricultural practices, such as precision agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry, which can help improve soil health, reduce water usage, and increase crop yields.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
