Zimbabwe sets ambitious plan to produce all rice locally within five years
Zimbabwe’s government has unveiled an ambitious and clear strategy to achieve 100% rice self-sufficiency within the next five years. This commitment was announced by Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, during a working tour covering key rice farming states in Harare and Mashonaland West.
Clear targets and sustainable practices
Central to the national plan is a seed multiplication programme targeting the production of sufficient quality rice seed to cover approximately 50,000 hectares nationwide. Zimbabwe will focus on upland rice varieties originating from the United States and West Africa, which thrive without flood irrigation and require significantly less water, marking a sustainable shift away from resource-intensive Middle Eastern rice farming methods.
“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,” Prof. Jiri emphasised.
Strong partnerships and lessons from the region
Japan has been engaged as a key partner, contributing rice genetics and technical know-how, with ongoing collaborations already active in Manicaland. Tanzania’s success in achieving rice self-sufficiency was held up as a regional example Zimbabwe can emulate. “What Tanzania can do, we can also do in this country. The farmers are there. The land is there,” Prof. Jiri said.
Insights from farm visits
At Rainham Farm in Dzivarasekwa, Harare, farmer Bongani Moyo showcased his integrated approach of cultivating three Nerica rice varieties alongside maize on a 1.3-hectare plot. His yields have steadily improved from three to an anticipated four to five tonnes per hectare this season, aided by meticulous soil preparation, regular testing, and a robust fertiliser programme. Notably, Moyo also grows Kilombero rice, a premium variety well-known in markets for its efficiency—it requires less water for cooking and delivers high yields under optimal care.
Meanwhile, at Holland Park Farm in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West, the 230-hectare irrigation farm recorded a strong maize season with expectations of eight to nine tonnes per hectare despite dry spells. Farm manager Alex Janasi and Dr. Kudzanai Vere are making preparations to dry maize swiftly and replace it with winter wheat, demonstrating comprehensive crop rotation and farm management.
Strategic support and outlook
The government is preparing a pricing framework aimed at ensuring rice farmers receive a fair price comparable with current import costs. Furthermore, plans for a dedicated rice production centre will facilitate farmers’ access to inputs and processing support, underpinning Zimbabwe’s vision to bolster domestic rice production.
National Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment results show promising harvests and improved land management nationwide, signalling a positive agricultural outlook as attention shifts to winter wheat, tobacco compliance, and scaling up rice production.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe’s rice revolution, driven by innovation, partnerships, and farmer empowerment, aligns strongly with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). With the right support and implementation, the nation stands poised to transform its rice sector, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers across the country.
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