Zimbabwe's staple grain production for the 2023-24 season, which ends May 31, is estimated at 634,699 tonnes, down 72% from last year, the media reported, citing an estimate by the country's agriculture ministry.
According to the government's statement, as quoted by the media, the season had the latest and driest start to a summer season in 40 years.
In addition, the ministry's assessment warns of continued disruptions to global food, fuel and fertilizer supply chains.
Zimbabwean farmers planted 1.78 million hectares of maize this season, 7% less than planned and 12% less than last year, the media said.
Last week, Zimbabwe's Information Minister, Jenphan Muswere, said that despite the president's declaration of a state of emergency, the government has assured people that there is enough grain to last until the next harvest.
However, he noted that the updated food balance to March 2025 shows a deficit ranging from 598,425 tonnes at 7.5 kg per person per month to 1,108,425 tonnes at 10 kg per person per month.
The minister then said that the grain shortage would be covered by private sector imports, indicating the possibility of importing 1,000,000 tonnes between April 2024 and March 2025 to mitigate the effects of the drought.
In mid-April, the media reported that Zimbabwe was considering importing corn from Brazil for the first time since 2014 amid a drought.
In southern Africa, Zimbabwe became the third country to declare drought a national disaster, after Malawi and Zambia, a measure which is said to allow for more resources to address the crisis.