Zimbabwe expects a record decline in agricultural production after the 2018-2019 season, which was characterized by a late start of rains across the country.

According to the second crop and livestock assessment report published by the Ministry of Agriculture of the country, the estimated corn production is 776,635 tons, which is 54% less than last year's crop of the season, 2017-2018, when 1,700,702 tons of this crop was obtained.

A poor harvest will leave most families without adequate food supplies. The country needs at least 1,800,000 tons of corn per season.

In addition to the difficult rainy season, in some parts of the country, prolonged droughts in January and February also negatively affected crop areas. “Grain production will be 851,844 tons against the national cereal demand of 1,754,225 tons,” the report of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Agriculture says.

Of the 60 administrative rural areas of the country, only 11 (18%) have enough grain to hold out until the next harvest, while the rest (49 districts) last from 2 to 11 months.

In addition, the country also expects a 26% reduction in tobacco production - to 185,725 tons, and the cotton crop is expected to decline by 49% - to 66,564 tons.