Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
CROPS across the Midlands Province are flourishing thanks to plentiful rainfall and timely Government support, complemented by expert agricultural advice to farmers.
The consistent rains, coupled with the early distribution of inputs, have enabled farmers to plant early — especially maize — boosting optimism for a successful summer season.
Weather forecasts predict rainfall patterns similar to last season, raising hopes for the country’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) has set ambitious targets for the 2025/26 summer cropping season in the Midlands Province, aiming to cultivate 7 000 hectares of maize and 7 500 hectares of sorghum. ARDA projects yields of 35 000 tonnes of maize and 22 500 tonnes of sorghum.
Designated as the nation’s “food, feed, fibre and oil seeds security agent” by Cabinet in 2023, Arda’s role has been pivotal in boosting agricultural productivity with enhanced production in Midlands Province expected to bolster the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve and contribute significantly to national food and nutrition security, with a total cereal target of 3,3 million tonnes this season.
In an interview, Midlands provincial director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Ms Busiso Mavankeni, commended farmers for following expert guidance from land preparation to planting. “The crops are looking good, especially maize, with farmers taking advantage of early rains.
Those on irrigation are also doing well,” she said.
She urged farmers yet to plant sorghum and sunflower to do so promptly.
Ms Mavankeni advised farmers to maintain proper drainage to prevent water logging and encouraged conservation farming techniques such as minimum tillage and crop residue retention to enhance water infiltration.
She also highlighted the importance of regular dipping of livestock to control ticks during the rainy season. The Summer Plan emphasises building resilience by producing sufficient cereals to secure food supply, replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve and support the Government’s Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy. Under the Presidential Input Support Scheme, farmers received seeds and fertilisers, enabling optimal use of favourable conditions.
Nationally, the Government has launched the 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan, targeting 1,8 million hectares of maize under support schemes, along with 516 000 hectares of sorghum and 280 000 hectares of traditional grains.
derick.khumalo