Zimbabwe strengthens push for rice self-sufficiency

Zimbabwe is set to significantly boost its rice production, with a projected output of over 2,000 tonnes for the 2024/2025 farming season. This marks a remarkable recovery from the 73.5 tonnes produced last season, a drop attributed to an El Niño-induced drought.

The Government's drive to increase local rice production is part of its broader strategy to reduce dependency on imports, which currently exceed 250,000 tonnes annually, out of a national demand of approximately 300,000 tonnes.

The push for import substitution could save millions in foreign currency, with Zimbabwe having spent US$131.9 million on rice imports between January and September this year alone.

"The country's annual rice requirement is about 300,000 tonnes, while rice imports exceed 250,000 tonnes, and our import bill is unsustainable," said Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services deputy director Mrs. Kundai Makuku. "The production target for rice this season is 2,000 tonnes."

Authorities attribute the expected growth in rice production to several key factors, including increased interest from new players and Government investments in irrigation infrastructure.

"The Government has been investing in irrigation development to increase rice production, particularly in areas with high potential for irrigation," Mrs. Makuku noted. She highlighted that these efforts are complemented by support for smallholder farmers through training, input provision, and improved market access.

Additionally, ongoing research and development initiatives aim to create high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties tailored to Zimbabwe's local conditions.

Despite the progress, challenges such as limited irrigation facilities, inadequate inputs, and poor market access persist. However, unlike other Government agricultural initiatives like the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, rice farming remains open to all interested participants without the need for formal registration.

With a combination of targeted investment, farmer support programmes, and innovative research, Zimbabwe aims to steadily reduce its reliance on imported rice while bolstering domestic production. If successful, the initiative could provide much-needed relief to the country's balance of payments and ensure a sustainable supply of this staple crop.

The upcoming season represents a crucial step towards achieving these goals and revitalizing Zimbabwe's rice sub-sector.