Story by Stanley James
GOVERNMENT says a second round of Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Programme is on track, with authorities noting strong crop recovery in various parts of the country.
This formed part of the key takeaways from the Post Cabinet Media Briefing presented by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare this Tuesday.
Presenting the eighth Post Cabinet outcomes in Harare this Tuesday, Dr Soda, provided an overview of the 2025/26 summer cropping season and the 2026 winter cropping programme.
“The area planted to cereal crops is 2.5 million hectares with an estimated 1.9 million hectares planted to maize; 343 661 ha to sorghum; 216 615 ha to pearl millet and 30 645 ha to finger millet. Despite the 2-3 weeks dry spell experienced, there are indications of strong crop recovery, especially for maize in agro-ecological regions 1, 2 and 3, while regions 4 and 5 face localised losses.
“The Grain Marketing Board holds 166 894 metric tonnes. Additionally, GMB managed to pay 88.8% of USD and 74.8% of ZiG amounts owed to farmers, and current outstanding balance payments stand at US$4.1 million and ZiG 90 million. Concerning Marketing Arrangements, five categories were considered for the 2025/26 selling season.
“GMB is expected to purchase commodities financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa). Contractors will buy grain financed under contract at market prices; self-financed farmers are expected to sell to the best advantage market, ARDA will sell to GMB to replenish the SGR, while the balance will be sold to the best market. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will provide a warehouse receipt system and support a market trading platform for agricultural commodities,” he said.
A report on preparations for the 46th Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party was also tabled.
“Cabinet received and noted an Update Report on the Preparations for the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and Children’s Party, which was presented by Honourable Vice President Col. (Rtd.) Dr. K.C.D. Mohadi is the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments. As previously communicated, the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be hosted at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
“The Children’s Party is scheduled to take place at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School within the same district. To ensure the successful hosting of these events, significant progress has been made in various infrastructure developments.
“The main arena, which includes the stadium, has been completed, while plumbing and electrical works are currently underway. Additionally, pitch excavation, levelling, drainage and fencing are approaching completion. The parking area has been cleared and partially levelled, with gravelling works continuing to register.
“Regarding school upgrades, Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as Minda High School, have reached 100% completion of their superstructures, with major facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, staff houses, and renovations nearing completion. Meanwhile, construction has commenced at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School,” Minister Soda noted.
Milestones on tourism projects were also approved by the cabinet.
“In terms of the Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation pillar under the National Development Strategy 2, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry highlighted the following achievements under her purview: the Masvingo Central Business District Hotel in Masvingo Province has been completed and is expected to become operational by mid-year.
“The Construction of the Bridge Hotel in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province, is approximately 85% complete, with roofing currently in progress. The construction of Prevail International Lodges in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, is progressing well.
“The project includes 10 four-bedroom units and 10 one-bedroom units, with internal finishes currently underway. Construction of the Cricket Stadium in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, is progressing well, with 85% completion of media centres, 50% of the pavilion, and ongoing pitch maintenance. The construction of Park Inn Hotel in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, is on schedule, with 98% of bulk earthworks completed,” he said.
Assessment of projects in the Midlands and Masvingo Provinces and milestones in the tourism infrastructure projects are some of the takeaways of this Tuesday’s cabinet session.
