ZIMBABWE’s 2023/24 summer season is expected to yield 744 271 metric tonnes in cereals production, a 77 percent decline due to an El Nino-induced drought, latest data shows.
The significant shortfall is expected to exacerbate the country’s food and stock feed shortages. The agricultural sector has been ravaged by the ongoing drought, which has also severely impacted productivity.
The area under cereals, including maize and traditional grains, has decreased to 2 496 201 hectares, resulting in a substantial reduction in yields, and was initially expected to yield 2 579 237 metric tonnes.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, statistically, the season had the latest and driest start to a summer season in 40 years.