Zambezi crop production 80% above average

The Zambezi Region’s aggregated cereal production is estimated at 14 257 tonnes, which is 28% more than last season’s harvest of 11 134 tonnes and 80% above the average production of 7 934 tonnes.

Maize production is estimated to have increased by 31% compared to last season’s harvest and is 83% above the average rates of production. Sorghum production has also recorded an increase of 23% above last season's harvest, while it is 3% below the average production, while pearl millet production expects an increase of 20% over last season’s harvest and 59% above the average production.

Furthermore, non-cereal crops such as cow peas, Bambara nuts, squash, pumpkins, and melons, among others, are also expected to produce a better yield this season.

This is according to the recently released Crop Prospects and Food Security Situation report.



Better rainfall

It said the region received good rainfall since the onset of the season, and farmers took advantage of the first rains and commenced with ploughing activities.

However, the region experienced a dry spell in December, which caused crop wilting in some parts of the region.

Nevertheless, according to farmers, this season’s rainfall was better than the previous one in terms of distribution.

The report stated that although there were some reports of false army worms, the infestation was minor, and crop conditions are currently good.

"Planted area is estimated at 88% of the total cropping area, reflecting an increase of about 19% compared to the area planted during the corresponding period in the previous season."



Optimism reported

It said the government's ploughing subsidy services continue to assist farmers in the region with the provision of ploughing services, and a total of 1 508 hectares were ploughed at the time of the assessment.

"However, verifications were still ongoing, and the number of hectares ploughed this season will increase."

According to the report, farmers are optimistic about the expected harvest given the good and promising crop stand, despite the dry spell in December.

Grazing has improved significantly due to the substantial amount of rainfall received during the month of January and the beginning of February. Livestock are also in favourable body condition, and no disease outbreaks of economic importance were reported at the time of this assessment.



Concerns remain

However, the region noted high cases of lumpy skin disease, dermatophilosis, orf in goats, foot rot, and suspected cases of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).

"Water availability, particularly for livestock consumption, is a concern in the inland as catchment areas have less water."

The report further noted that the current food security situation in the region is concerning, as a significant proportion of interviewed households rely on market purchases to access food.

The analysis revealed that 52% of the interviewed households depend on the market, while only 12% reported relying on their own production for food access.

It said this disparity underscores the need for interventions to promote food self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on the market.