Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE has been named one of the top six African countries excelling in agriculture, as the sector continues to play a crucial role in global food security.
The country joins South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Madagascar and Malawi in Africa’s leading producers of key crops.
Data on Africa’s agricultural output shows that Zimbabwe is leading in tobacco and blueberry production, making it a key player in southern Africa’s exports.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has benefited from the Second Republic’s drive towards advancing mechanised farming techniques and cultivating a robust export network.
In terms of blueberry farming, the country is seeking to increase production by at least 50 percent to 12 000 tonnes this year, with an ultimate target of 30 000 tonnes by 2030.
Zimbabwe offers unique climatic conditions that give blueberries a distinct advantage in size, flavour and texture, which makes them popular in many markets around the world.
On tobacco, Zimbabwe this year produced 350 million kilogrammes, setting a new national record.
The milestone not only exceeded last year’s total output of 296 million kilogrammes but marked a major turning point for the nation’s agricultural sector.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) confirmed that this year’s production was valued at about US$1,16 billion.
Zimbabwe’s latest recognition as a powerhouse in tobacco and blueberry production also comes as the country is making significant strides in regaining its status as Africa’s breadbasket.
President Mnangagwa has continued to reiterate that agriculture remains Zimbabwe’s economic mainstay, and as such, his administration will continue championing increased production and productivity.
“Our vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 remains anchored by a vibrant and robust agriculture sector.
“We must continue to guarantee food security and food sovereignty, improved nutrition security and overall improvements in the quality of life of our people.
“It is in this context, therefore, that my Government implemented the Agriculture, Food System and Rural Transformation Strategy: 2020-2025, which focuses on climate-smart agriculture, among other critical aspects,” he said while launching the Productivity Booster Kit Programme in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, late last month.
According to the continental data, neighbouring South Africa is thriving in the cultivation of maize and apples, Madagascar is recognised as Africa’s largest vanilla producer and Malawi is noted for producing mangoes and sweet potatoes.
In East Africa, Tanzania is the top producer of beans, while Kenya leads in tea production, a vital foreign exchange earner for the country.
Nigeria ranks as the continent’s largest producer of rice, banana, yam, cassava, shea nuts and ginger, and Ethiopia is Africa’s top producer of coffee, wheat and honey.
Egypt is notable for its production of dates, eggplant, tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, Irish potatoes, dry onions, cucumbers, garlic and sugar beets, while Côte d’Ivoire continues to hold its position as the world’s foremost cocoa producer and Benin leads in cotton cultivation.
The post Zim agric prowess among Africa’s best appeared first on herald.
The post Zim agric prowess among Africa’s best appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.