MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE —Cabinet yesterday approved the 2024-2025 Summer Crops Marketing and 2025 Winter Production Plan, as well as a new cloud seeding programme.
This move aims to strengthen national food and nutrition security by boosting agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere said the decisions were made during the 30th Post-Cabinet Briefing held in Harare yesterday.
Dr. Muswere said the nation had recorded significant progress in agricultural output, with formal sales of grain and oilseeds rising sharply compared to last year.
“As at 2nd October 2025, a total of 882 230 metric tonnes comprising maize, soyabeans, sorghum, wheat and sunflower had been sold formally. This intake is 387 percent above the volume recorded during the same period last year,” said Dr. Muswere.
“The Grain Marketing Board’s intake alone rose by 148.16 percent, while the Strategic Grain Reserve currently holds 141 943 metric tonnes of grains in stock.”
He added that in line with Government’s policy to promote value chain financing and self-sufficiency, millers are required to secure at least 40 percent of their raw materials through contracting local farmers.
On the cotton sector, Dr. Muswere said six contractors had purchased 28.7 million kilogrammes of cotton since the marketing season began on July 24, 2025, a 108 percent increase from last year.
“Tobacco has equally performed impressively, with 354.8 million kilogrammes sold so far, valued at over US$1.17 billion. This is a record high, while seed sales are 13 percent higher than in 2024, signaling strong momentum toward achieving the 2025/26 production target of 360 million kilogrammes,” he said.
Muswere said Government’s Winter Cereals Plan was also on course, with 135 500 hectares targeted under wheat, barley, and potatoes.
The projected yields are 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat, 39 000 tonnes of barley, and 243 000 tonnes of potatoes.
“To date, 3 434 hectares of the 2025 winter wheat crop have been harvested. Migratory pest control and surveillance are ongoing across all provinces, and Government assures farmers that there are sufficient vehicles, sprayers, chemicals and personnel to contain any outbreaks,” said the Minister.
Turning to climate mitigation measures, Cabinet adopted the Cloud Seeding Programme for the 2025–2026 summer cropping season, which will combine aircraft and drone technology to boost rainfall distribution and counter drought effects.
“The Aircraft Cloud Seeding Systems currently in use have been proven to be the most practical and effective for Zimbabwe’s needs, offering flexibility and precision in large-scale operations,” Dr. Muswere explained.
“Drone technology will complement the aircraft systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage. A Whole-of-Government Approach will guide implementation to guarantee efficiency and timeliness.”
Muswere reiterated Government’s commitment to sustaining the momentum achieved in the agricultural sector under the Second Republic, anchored on innovation, irrigation expansion, and value chain transformation.
