HARARE, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is expected to record a maize surplus in the 2025-2026 agricultural season, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Zhemu Soda said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, Soda said national maize production is projected to increase by 2 percent, rising to 2.35 million tonnes from 2.29 million tonnes in the previous season.
Zimbabwe requires approximately 2.2 million tonnes of maize annually for human and livestock consumption.
According to the government's latest crop and livestock assessment report, total cereal production -- comprising maize and traditional small grains -- is estimated at 2.74 million tonnes for the 2025-2026 season.
Traditional grains are estimated at 390,272 tonnes, including 290,216 tonnes of sorghum, 87,677 tonnes of pearl millet, and 12,379 tonnes of finger millet.
The minister also noted significant growth in the tobacco sector, with leaf production estimated at 378 million kg this year, up from 353 million kg in the previous season. ■
