Zimbabwe is making waves in the agricultural sector, showcasing its prowess by achieving impressive yields in various crops and securing its position as a leader on the African continent.
The success comes as a testament to the effectiveness of the Land Reform program under the Second Republic.
Since the inception of the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on increased production and productivity in agriculture has yielded remarkable results.
The country not only exceeded its initial agriculture target of US$8 billion but also prompted a revision to a more ambitious goal of US$13.75 billion by 2025.
Zimbabwe’s achievements include record-breaking wheat, tobacco, and maize production under the Second Republic. The country now stands as the largest tobacco grower in Africa, ranking sixth globally.
Notably, despite its smaller land area and population compared to top global producers like China and India, Zimbabwe boasts a significant tobacco production figure.
In the wheat sector, Zimbabwe is among the top eight producers in Africa, joining Ethiopia as one of the continent’s two wheat self-sufficient countries. The nation has maintained food security for the past four seasons, producing wheat to cater to its population.
Beyond staple crops, Zimbabwe has also made a mark as one of the world’s largest exporters of blueberries. The country’s agricultural sector’s revival has resulted in substantial global impact, with blueberry exports growing by an impressive 85 percent.
The positive trends extend to maize production, where Zimbabwe produced almost 2.3 million tonnes last season, showcasing continuous improvement despite regional comparisons with Zambia.
The achievements in agriculture position Zimbabwe to reach its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-class society ahead of schedule. With an eye on becoming a net exporter of agricultural produce, including wheat, tobacco, horticulture products, and citrus, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation.
The success is attributed to the Agriculture Recovery and Growth Plan implemented in 2020, reversing negative trends and propelling the sector to new heights.
President Mnangagwa’s commitment to the irreversible Land Reform Programme has garnered support, leading to increased private sector participation and the creation of employment opportunities.
Stakeholders, including the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust and Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, highlight the transformative impact on farmers’ knowledge and skills.
With ongoing government support and strategic initiatives like the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector looks set to continue its positive trajectory, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity.
Source: The Herald
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