The province of Zambézia has recorded strong results in rice production. In Nicoadala alone, output rose from 132,000 tonnes last year to 153,000 tonnes so far—surpassing the 2025 target of 145,000 tonnes.
Nicoadala has around 41,000 hectares dedicated to rice cultivation. The fields are now empty, as farmers have already harvested all the rice. This year’s first season was considered satisfactory, with a surplus in production that has encouraged local farmers. Rainfall was also at favorable levels.
However, farmers are calling for financial support to expand their cultivated areas and improve production and distribution. Poor road access to the markets is discouraging for producers.
Izelia Sabão, District Director of Economic Activities and responsible for monitoring farmers and production, stated that the initial plan for this year was 145,000 tonnes, but production exceeded that, reaching over 153,000 tonnes—a 103% achievement. Compared to last year’s 132,000 tonnes, this marks a significant increase.
Although production is ongoing, there is a lack of a local factory for processing. Currently, farmers are transporting their harvest in open-back trucks to the city of Quelimane for storage.
For the entire Zambézia province, the 2024/2025 agricultural campaign has a planned area of nearly 3 million hectares.
Source: O País
