Staff Reporter
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube says the province is expecting a maize output of about 300 000 metric tonnes this season, a projection he said will strengthen food security if realised.
Ncube made the remarks during an agricultural field tour at New Farm in Ward 31, Sherwood West, where he assessed crop progress and ongoing joint-venture farming activities.
He said the anticipated harvest comes despite dry conditions experienced in early February, noting that current dam levels averaging about 92 percent provide adequate water for irrigation going into the winter and next summer cropping seasons.
“The Midlands Province expects a maize yield of 300 000 metric tonnes, which will go a long way in improving food security,” Ncube said.
According to the minister, the projection aligns with government efforts to boost agricultural productivity through climate-smart farming and irrigation development.
The field tour focused on a 146-hectare farming venture run through a partnership between Midlands Acres and six farmers. About 76 hectares are under maize, with an expected yield of 684 tonnes, while smaller hectarage is planted with paprika and other crops including soya beans, wheat and barley.
Ncube commended farmers for rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and diversifying crops, saying such initiatives contribute to employment creation, export earnings and provincial economic growth.
He said government programmes aimed at improving mechanisation, irrigation and market access continue to support agricultural recovery and resilience.
The Midlands province is one of Zimbabwe’s key grain-producing regions, and officials say improved yields are critical to stabilising national food supplies.
