Wenslus Murape
Violet Chenyika
ZIMBABWE is projected to produce more than 2 000 tonnes of rice during the 2024/2025 farming season, a significant increase from the 73,5 tonnes produced last season, which was adversely affected by an El Niño-induced drought.
The increased production is part of the Government’s push to reduce the country’s reliance on rice imports, which currently stand at over 250 000 tonnes annually.
Local demand is presently estimated at 300 000 tonnes.
The import substitution initiative is expected to save millions in foreign currency.
Zimbabwe imported rice valued at US$131,9 million between January and September this year.
“The country’s annual rice requirement is about 300 000 tonnes, while rice imports exceed 250 000 tonnes, and our import bill is unsustainable,” said Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services deputy director Mrs Kundai Makuku.
“The production target for rice this season is 2 000 tonnes.”
Zimbabwe’s rice production fell sharply last year to 73 tonnes, from around 540 tonnes in the 2022/2023 season.
However, the authorities are optimistic about the current season, citing growing interest from new players in the sector and the Government’s investment in irrigation infrastructure as
key drivers of the anticipated
growth.
“The Government has been investing in irrigation development to increase rice production, particularly in areas with high potential for irrigation,” she said.
“Initiatives have been implemented to support smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector.
“These include providing training, inputs and market access to help them increase their rice production.”
The Government, she added, was also focusing on research and development to create high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties suited to local conditions.
Additionally, the authorities are rolling out support initiatives for smallholder farmers that include training programmes and input support.
She added: “While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, more needs to be done to address challenges facing Zimbabwe’s rice sub-sector, including limited irrigation facilities, inadequate inputs and poor market access.”
Unlike the structured registration required under other Government support programmes such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme, said Mrs Makuku, rice farming remains open to all willing participants.
daniel chigunwe
