The government has raised its target for the food industry to US$13.5 billion, a significant increase from the initial goal of US$8 billion. This expansion will involve increasing production land from 75,000 hectares to 350,000 hectares. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Development Anxious Masuka emphasized the importance of empowering rural communities, which make up 62% of the population, to achieve national food security.

The government aims to address household food deficits through accelerated irrigation projects and programs like Pfumvudza\/Intwasa. Masuka highlighted the need to align crop choices with agro-ecological conditions and move away from sole reliance on maize. Additionally, the government is intensifying efforts to build 13 new dams to support agricultural activities. A focus on agricultural development at the provincial level is seen as key to elevating the country’s economy and promoting rural industrialization.

Simultaneously, an inter-ministerial committee has been established to address issues related to illegal land distribution by land barons, aiming to resolve challenges faced by affected communities.