Zimbabwe aims to produce all its rice locally within five years with new national strategy
The Government of Zimbabwe has unveiled an ambitious plan to produce all the rice the country needs domestically within five years. This transformative strategy, announced by Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, outlines a clear path involving seed multiplication, farmer support packages, and international partnerships.
Seed multiplication and cultivation strategy
Central to the plan is a seed multiplication programme designed to supply enough quality seed to cultivate approximately 50,000 hectares of rice across Zimbabwe. Contrary to traditional flood irrigation methods common in some rice-producing regions, Zimbabwe will focus on cultivating upland rice varieties from the United States and West Africa. These varieties are well-suited to local conditions as they require far less water and do not necessitate flooding.
“In the Middle East, yes they flood the areas for rice production. Here, we are not going to flood. We use the upland rice varieties, which require less water,” said Prof. Jiri.
Partnerships and lessons from the region
Japan has been engaged as a key partner, providing rice genetics and technical expertise, with ongoing collaborative projects in Manicaland province. Tanzania’s success in reaching rice self-sufficiency was highlighted as a motivating regional example. “What Tanzania can do, we can also do in this country. The farmers are there. The land is there,” remarked Prof. Jiri.
Farmer insights from field visits
During the Harare stop at Rainham Farm in Dzivarasekwa, farmer Bongani Moyo shared his experience growing rice on a 1.3-hectare plot using Nerica varieties. Moyo’s yields have steadily improved to an expected four to five tonnes per hectare due to diligent soil preparation, regular soil testing, and effective fertiliser management. He also cultivates Kilombero rice, a premium variety noted for lower cooking water requirements and potential yields up to eight tonnes per hectare under optimal conditions.
At Holland Park Farm in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West, farm manager Alex Janasi reported a robust 230-hectare maize season with yields reaching up to nine tonnes per hectare despite challenges from a late dry spell. The farm is now preparing for winter wheat planting, demonstrating the multi-crop dynamism of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Supporting policies and outlook
The government is establishing a pricing framework to ensure rice farmers receive fair remuneration aligned with import costs. A dedicated rice production centre is planned to provide farmers with inputs and processing support, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to bolstering rice production as a strategic national priority.
Early assessments from the national Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Survey indicate continued improvements in harvests nationally, signalling strengthened land management and agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe’s national rice strategy marks a decisive step towards food self-sufficiency and diversification of crop production in alignment with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Through targeted partnerships, farmer empowerment, and innovation in upland rice cultivation, the country aims to transform its rice sector and secure sustainable food futures for all Zimbabweans.
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