Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
AS government targets to enhance maize production to over three million metric tonnes by 2030, farmers are playing an active role in boosting maize productivity through climate proof agriculture.
Marsland Farm, located in Umguza District within Matabeleland North Province, is experiencing a thriving maize crop. Farm manager Mr Mperculia Moyo has allocated more than 40 hectares of the 200-hectare property to maize cultivation. Benefiting from the ongoing La Nina weather pattern, which continues to bring substantial rainfall to much of the country, Mr Moyo is anticipating a bumper harvest.
“Over the years, the country has witnessed steady growth in maize production from 1.7 million metric tonnes in 2018 to 2.7 million metric tonnes in 2025,” he said.
In a recent interview, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, discussed the prospects for agricultural productivity.
“I just want to show you the transformation that is taking place in terms of maize production. In 2018 we harvested 1.7million metric tonnes, in 2015 we got about 2.3million metric tonnes and we project that we will be at three million by 2025,” he said.
With Zimbabwe being an agro-based economy, increasing maize productivity is central in attaining food security in the country.
