Zimbabwe has moved to mainstream Juncao technology as part of its national agricultural strategy, marking a significant step toward strengthening food security, livestock production, and climate resilience.
The transition from a pilot initiative to a nationwide programme falls under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2: 2026–2030), with government officials describing the innovation as central to the country’s economic transformation agenda.
Speaking at a National Capacity Building Workshop in Harare, yesterday, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Chief Director in the Directorate of Research, Education and Specialist Services, Dr. Dumisani Kutywayo, said the technology would play a key role in achieving Zimbabwe’s agricultural ambitions.
“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economic growth. No nation has successfully transitioned to middle-income status without a fundamental transformation of its agricultural productivity. Juncao technology is a powerful tool to help us achieve just that. We are not just adopting a new crop, we are embracing a new way of thinking about agriculture one that prioritizes productivity, sustainability, and profitability at every level,” he said.
Juncao technology, pioneered in China, uses a fast-growing, high-protein grass that can be used as a substrate for mushroom production and as feed for livestock. Officials say it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that rely on timber, enabling year-round mushroom cultivation while conserving forests.
“Our current mushroom production stands at around 855 metric tonnes, but with Juncao, we have the potential to significantly scale up without putting pressure on natural resources. This is about producing more with less and doing so sustainably,” he said.
He noted that the livestock sector stands to benefit significantly, particularly as Zimbabwe works to grow its national herd and increase milk production.
“As a country, we are targeting an increase in our cattle herd from 5.7 million to 6.6 million, and a 75 percent rise in milk production. Juncao provides a reliable, drought-resistant source of high-quality feed, which is critical given that much of our country lies in drier regions,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, said the technology had already begun transforming livelihoods across the country.
“In just 12 months, the Juncao project has expanded to nine provinces and established 69 demonstration sites. Today, Juncao has taken deep roots on Zimbabwean soil and is growing into a grass of prosperity for local farmers,” he said.
“We have distributed more than 50,000 seedlings, and we are seeing strong results from demonstration households. This shows that the technology is not only effective but also adaptable to local conditions,” he added.
“This is a practical example of how international cooperation can deliver tangible benefits to communities. We are committed to supporting Zimbabwe as it scales up this initiative,” His Excellency Zhou Ding said.
The Government is also integrating Juncao into its Education 5.0 framework, with institutions such as Gwebi Agricultural College, the University of Zimbabwe, and Chinhoyi University of Technology serving as training centres.
“We want this knowledge to be widely accessible. By embedding Juncao in our education and training systems, we are equipping farmers, youths, and communities with the skills they need to succeed,” he said.
The technology will also be rolled out across thousands of Village Business Units and Youth Business Units to support rural industrialization and inclusive growth.
“This is about inclusivity. We are targeting women, young people, and rural communities to ensure no one is left behind in this transformation,” he advised.
The workshop, co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the National Engineering Research Center for Juncao Technology, has already trained more than 400 Zimbabwean farmers and specialists.
“We are building capacity at scale. The more people understand and adopt this technology, the greater its impact will be. As we face increasing climate challenges, innovations like Juncao are no longer optional they are essential. Our goal is to ensure agriculture remains viable, resilient, and profitable, today and into the future,” he said.
Furthermore, the Juncao project which was introduced and adopted in 2025 is known to boost agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods. It serves also as a way to mitigate climate change challenges and reduce reliance on traditional expensive fodder.
