The country is expecting 776 635 tonnes of maize from the 2018-2019 summer cropping season due to a poor rainfall season characterised by long dry spells, the second round crop and livestock assessment report reveals.

The output represents a 54 percent decline from the 2017-2018 cropping season, which yielded 1 700 702 tonnes.

According to the report, 1 623 757 hectares were put under maize last season.

The report also notes that the 2018-2019 season was characterised by late rains across the country.
“The false starts in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country affected the crop establishment,” reads the report in part.

“Long dry spells in January and February negatively affected the planted crop. Cyclone Idai, which hit the country in mid-February, caused severe damage to crops and agriculture infrastructure in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.

“However, it improved crop condition in Mashonaland East and Central.”

Mashonaland West is leading in maize production with 228 073 tonnes while Mashonaland Central is second with 159 184 tonnes, with Mashonaland East on third place with 153 831 tonnes.

Midlands is expected to harvest 93 703 tonnes while Masvingo will get 60 962, Matabeleland South 16 781 tonnes and Matabeleland North 13 031 tonnes.

The reports shows that Mashonaland West and Central provinces have substantial surplus cereal production while Masvingo and the Matabeleland provinces have a deficit.State media