Zim Exceeds Key Agricultural Targets for 2024/25 S...

Zim Exceeds Key Agricultural Targets for 2024/25 Season

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe has exceeded several agricultural production targets for the 2024/25 season, registering significant growth in crop output, livestock numbers, and fisheries yields, according to the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report presented to Cabinet.

The area planted to maize rose to 1 839 373 hectares, up from 1 728 897 hectares in the 2023/24 season — a 6.4% increase, slightly surpassing the national target of 1.8 million hectares. Based on this, maize output is estimated at 2 293 556 metric tonnes, the fourth highest yield in the country’s history.

Other crops also posted strong performance. Tobacco production rose by 15%, cotton by 52%, and sunflower saw a remarkable 303% surge.

Livestock numbers showed moderate gains, with the national herd growing to 5.7 million, a 0.4% increase from the previous year. Communal farmers continue to dominate the sector, accounting for 64% of the cattle population. Beef production climbed to 94 623 metric tonnes, up from 90 000 metric tonnes in 2023.

Dairy output also improved. Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Midlands led in milk production, contributing 89% of the country’s total 115 million litres, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase.

In the fisheries sector, production reached 31 296 metric tonnes. The report also highlighted growth in wildlife farming, with crocodile skin sales increasing by 34%.