MORE than 666 000 hactares had been put under maize production by end of December last year compared to 530 000 hectares planted in 2009, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has said.
Presenting his monetary policy on Friday, Dr Gono said if the crop is not affected, the country was likely to record improved harvest this year.
Already agriculture is on the rebound after it recorded a 34 percent increase last year.
“Agriculture output is estimated to have grown by 34 percent in 2010 and is expected to continue on a recovery path in 2011. As at the end of December 2010, a total of 660 000 hectares of maize had been planted, compared to 530 000 in 2009.
“If the crop is not severely affected by intra-dry spells, the country is likely to realise a better crop. Maize output may, however, be lower than expected due to an outbreak of armyworm which has hit the major maize growing areas,” Dr Gono said.
He said measures have, however, been put in place to monitor and control the situation and farmers have been assured of the availability of adequate chemicals for the purpose.
Dr Gono said the country’s total agricultural export shipments last year amounted to US$582.6 million compared to US$467.7 million in 2009, an increase of 24.6 percent.
“In 2010, export shipments under the General Agriculture sub-sector increased from US$170.6 million recorded in 2009 to USD185.9 million in 2010, representing an nine percent increase.
Total horticultural export shipments amounted to US$14.58 million in 2010, compared to US$14.57 million in 2009, reflecting a marginal rise of 0.1 percent,” Dr Gono said.
He said the horticulture sector was not spared from natural, as well as man-made challenges. The fresh cut flowers sub-sector incurred major losses due to grounding of many flights as a result of the volcanic ash in many European countries.
Dr Gono said there was also a general increase in other crops.
“Tobacco output increased from 58 million kilogrammes in 2009 to 123 million kilogrammes in 2010. A total of 65 000 hectares were put under tobacco, with 65 percent grown under contract. The tobacco was sold at an average price of US$2.88 per kilogramme.
“In 2011, tobacco output is expected to increase to between 170 and 200 million kilogrammes on the back of increased hectarage. It is estimated that above 100 000 hectares of tobacco will be planted in 2011,” Dr Gono said.
Average tobacco prices are expected to remain firm, reflecting global supply and demand conditions. The coming back on board of renowned international buyers such as Japan Tobacco Industries and Premier Tobacco, is likely to boost tobacco prices.