The national hectarage for sweet potatoes has increased significantly from 10,413 hectares last season to 20,108 hectares this term, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to enhance food security and economic resilience in rural areas.
In 2021, the government initiated the Presidential Rural Development Programme, which provides communal farmers with free sweet potato vines for cultivation. Ms. Hilda Manditsvara, principal horticulture specialist at the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), emphasized the program’s importance for food security, stating, “The initiative aims to improve food and nutrition security, diversify food crops, and serve as an income source for farmers.”
Since the program’s launch, 3,516,800 vines have been distributed, targeting 1.8 million households, with each receiving 50 elite, virus-free vines.
Regional data shows varied sweet potato planting this season. For instance, Mashonaland East Province has increased its hectarage from 1,327 to 4,155, while Masvingo has risen from 1,117 to 5,159 hectares. However, Manicaland experienced a decline, dropping from 4,159 hectares to 3,475.
The Presidential Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plans (HRGP) aim to establish a rural horticulture economy worth US$1.217 billion by 2025, with a long-term goal of reaching US$3.5 billion by 2030. This growth demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving food security and increasing rural incomes through the promotion of this nutritious and environmentally friendly crop.
The program is expected to combat malnutrition and enhance economic opportunities for farmers, with projections of approximately 90 million tonnes of sweet potatoes by 2025, highlighting the crop’s importance as both a food source and cash crop.
Sweet potatoes are well-suited for marginal conditions, requiring minimal inputs while producing yields of up to 30 tonnes per hectare, making them an ideal choice for many farmers. As climate challenges, such as those posed by the El Niño phenomenon, continue to affect agriculture, sweet potatoes have emerged as a vital crop, providing essential nutrients and supporting the livelihoods of numerous families in rural regions.
While traditionally dominated by white-fleshed varieties, there is a growing interest in orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for export markets. To ensure sustainable production, the government is educating farmers on the significance of using pest and disease-free vines and adhering to best agronomic practices. This focus on agricultural education and support underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing food security, tackling malnutrition, and fostering economic growth in rural communities through the cultivation of sweet potatoes.
