Story by Abigirl Tembo
HARARE – THE government has expressed satisfaction with the growth of the agricultural sector on the back of impressive output during the past summer cropping season and a promising winter wheat crop.
Speaking at a Post-Cabinet briefing this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, announced that deliveries of grains and oilseeds to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) are steadily increasing, with anticipated deliveries expected to range between 120 000 and 150 000 metric tonnes.
“As of June 5, 2025, the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) holds 80 208 metric tonnes, while maize stocks held by the private sector stand at 48 293 metric tonnes,” Dr Muswere said.
He further announced the official commencement of the 2025 cotton marketing season, which began on June 9.
“This year, seed cotton will be paid in a 70:30 ratio in US dollars and ZiG, respectively. This season’s cotton sales are projected to reach 61 000 metric tonnes, a significant increase from the 13 600 metric tonnes recorded last year. To support this surge, 697 buying points have been established across the country, including 221 permanent stations and 476 mobile units,” he said.
“To ensure transparency and fairness, farmers will only be allowed to release cotton bales after full payment is received. Additionally, merchants are required to clear all outstanding debts from the previous season, including grade differentials, before making new purchases.
“The tobacco sector has also recorded remarkable growth. As of 8 June 2025, over 272.7 million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at US$917.6 million had been sold, representing a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024. With contributions from approximately 135 000 farmers, the average earnings now stand at over US$6 700 per farmer, significantly boosting rural incomes and contributing to economic growth in tobacco-producing regions,” the Minister said.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka announced plans to strengthen Zimbabwe’s cotton industry emphasising the crucial role played by cotton in driving rural transformation.
“Cotton, like tobacco, is a transformative crop. It empowers over 500 000 households, turning them from economic spectators to economic participants aligned with Vision 2030. Last season’s low output of 13 000 metric tonnes was due to drought, but we are expecting a recovery to between 60 000 and 100,000 metric tonnes this year. Our long-term goal is to grow the sector to 350 000 metric tonnes through a structured value chain approach involving both government and private stakeholders,” he said.
The mining industry is also witnessing significant developments, particularly in the ferrochrome and lithium sub-sectors as stated by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development for Zimbabwe, Honourable Winston Chitando.
In the energy sector, Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the development of a new pipeline system to transport refined petroleum from Zimbabwe to Zambia.
This initiative aims to reduce damage to road infrastructure and promote efficient energy use.
Other notable developments discussed in this Tuesday’s cabinet report include the approval of the Tourism Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen the administration of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund and promote gender equality and representation in the tourism sector, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Russian Federation to promote cooperation in healthcare and medical science.
