Maize Production Down 54% In Zimbabwe

According to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe estimated maize production in the country is down 54% from last season.

The reduction from the 1,700,702 tonnes produced during the 2017/18 season to 776,635 for the 2018/19 season follows the late onset of rains and long dry spells earlier in the year.

The Ministry also estimates that cereal production stands at 851,844, which is less than half the national requirement of 1,754,225 tonnes.

As a result many families face food insecurity.

Tobacco output is also down by an estimated 26%, and cotton by 49%.