Government has announced that the second phase of the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Programme is progressing well, with authorities recording encouraging crop recovery in several parts of the country despite recent dry weather conditions.
This was revealed during a Post-Cabinet Media Briefing presented by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare on Tuesday.
Delivering the eighth Cabinet outcomes briefing, Dr Soda outlined developments in the 2025/26 summer cropping season alongside preparations for the upcoming 2026 winter farming programme.
He said approximately 2.5 million hectares were planted under cereal production this season, including about 1.9 million hectares of maize, 343 661 hectares of sorghum, 216 615 hectares of pearl millet and 30 645 hectares of finger millet.
Although the country experienced a dry spell lasting between two and three weeks, Dr Soda noted signs of strong recovery in crop conditions, particularly maize in agro-ecological regions One, Two and Three, while Regions Four and Five have recorded isolated production losses.
The minister also reported that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) currently holds 166 894 metric tonnes of grain in stock. He added that the board has settled 88.8 percent of United States dollar payments owed to farmers and 74.8 percent of ZiG payments, leaving outstanding balances of US$4.1 million and ZiG90 million.
Regarding grain marketing arrangements for the 2025/26 selling season, Government approved several categories. Commodities produced under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme, commonly known as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, will be purchased by the GMB, while contractors will procure grain financed through contract farming at prevailing market prices.
Self-financed farmers will be allowed to sell their produce to competitive markets, while the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) will supply grain to the GMB to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve. Remaining grain volumes will be sold through open markets, supported by the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange, which will facilitate warehouse receipt systems and agricultural commodity trading.
Independence Celebrations Preparations Advance
Cabinet also received an update on preparations for the country’s 46th Independence Day celebrations and the Children’s Party, presented by Vice President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi in his capacity as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.
This year’s celebrations will be held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province. The Children’s Party is scheduled for Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will take place at Minda Primary School.
Dr Soda said significant infrastructure development has been undertaken to ensure successful hosting of the national events. Construction of the main arena, including the stadium, has been completed, with plumbing and electrical installations now underway. Works on pitch levelling, drainage systems and perimeter fencing are nearing completion, while parking areas have been cleared and partially gravelled.
Upgrades at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools and Minda High School have reached full completion at structural level, with classrooms, laboratories, staff accommodation and renovations almost finalised. Construction projects have also commenced at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School.
Tourism Infrastructure Projects Progressing
Cabinet further noted progress made under tourism infrastructure development projects aligned with the Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation pillar of the National Development Strategy 2.
Among the milestones highlighted was the completion of the Masvingo Central Business District Hotel, which is expected to open by mid-year. Construction of the Bridge Hotel in Beitbridge District is approximately 85 percent complete, with roofing works currently in progress.
In Mberengwa District, development of Prevail International Lodges — comprising 10 four-bedroom units and 10 one-bedroom units — is advancing, with interior finishing works underway.
Meanwhile, construction of a cricket stadium in Hwange District continues to make progress, with media centres 85 percent complete and pavilion works halfway done alongside ongoing pitch maintenance. The Park Inn Hotel project in the same district remains on schedule, with bulk earthworks nearing completion at 98 percent.
Cabinet also reviewed project implementation progress in Midlands and Masvingo provinces, with tourism infrastructure development emerging as one of the key highlights from Tuesday’s session.
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