Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
MORE than 10 000 tonnes of maize seed have so far been delivered to farmers nationwide as planting for the 2025-26 summer cropping season intensifies.
The maize seed rollout is progressing alongside the distribution of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides under the climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Input Scheme, which is targeting 3,5 million smallholder farmers this season.
Seed for traditional grains—sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet—is also being dispatched in line with the Government’s agro-ecological tailoring strategy.
Most parts of the country have received substantial rainfall in recent weeks, matching projections by the Meteorological Services Department, although some areas in the far north west are still awaiting meaningful rains.
Speaking after officiating at the Poultry Pass-On Scheme programme in Goromonzi on Wednesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the rainfall had marked the “earnest start” of the summer season.
“The summer season has really started now in earnest. Most areas have received rains.
“Only the furthest parts of the north-west are still behind,” he said.
“We know the season will be short, but rainfall will be a lot over the coming weeks.
“We are encouraging farmers to plant early using short- to medium-season varieties.
“Traditional grains remain key because even if rains taper off early, farmers will still harvest.”
Prof Jiri said preparations under Pfumvudza/Intwasa were “progressing very well”, with more than 15 million plots already prepared.
“Seed distribution is almost there—we are at 91 percent for maize seed. Traditional grain seed is also moving well,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged delays in fertiliser distribution.
“In terms of basal dressing, we are at about a third of what we require,” he said.
“That is why we have encouraged three beneficiaries to share a 50kg bag so that all farmers can plant early.”
The push for early planting aligns with the 2025/26 Summer Plan, which aims to boost national cereal output to 3.2 million tonnes.
The plan prioritises agro-ecological tailoring, irrigation expansion, short-season varieties and enhanced climate-proofing through Pfumvudza/Intwasa.
Maize output is targeted at 2.52 million tonnes, while traditional grains are expected to contribute 687 000 tonnes.
