Online Reporter
Mashonaland East Bureau
Government has assured farmers of adequate fertilisers and other key inputs for the 2026 winter wheat season, despite global supply pressures linked to instability in the Middle East.
Authorities, however, expect a marginal increase in fertiliser prices.
The assurance comes as Zimbabwe is targeting production of 660 000 tonnes of wheat this season, well above the country’s annual wheat requirement of about 360 000 tonnes.
Speaking at a farmers’ meeting in Marondera last week, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the country was fully prepared for the winter cropping season.
“We have enough wheat seed as a country. Our seed companies are producing adequate quantities, and farmers can choose the varieties they want to grow. We have enough seed for all winter wheat programmes,” he said.
“Fertiliser for winter wheat is available. We anticipate a slight increase in prices, but Government is working flat out to ensure that it will not be difficult for farmers to access it.”
Global fertiliser markets have been under pressure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains and driven up costs.
However, authorities say local preparations and procurement strategies have cushioned farmers from severe shortages.
Prof Jiri urged farmers to maximise production and contribute towards national food security, stressing that Zimbabwe must move away from relying on imports.
“As a country, we must work hard to become self-reliant. We cannot afford to continue importing when we have the capacity to produce our own wheat,” he said.
“As farmers, let us prioritise wheat production. We cannot import something that we can grow with our own hands.”
He said even small-scale contributions from individual farmers were critical in achieving national targets.
“Together, we can aggregate our efforts to meet the national requirement. No matter how small your piece of land is, put it under wheat production. We must own our production as a nation.”
Prof Jiri also challenged farmers to adopt climate-smart practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, which continues to pose risks to agricultural productivity.
“In the face of climate change, we must plan properly. Zimbabwe is fortunate to have favourable conditions for winter production, and we must fully utilise that advantage,” he said.
He further assured farmers of adequate water supplies for irrigation, directing the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure efficient access.
“No wheat crop should be affected by lack of water. Every farmer who needs water must be facilitated to access it. Our institutions must be responsive to farmers’ needs,” he said.
On power supply, Prof Jiri said adequate electricity had been set aside to support irrigation during the winter season.
He addressed concerns over delayed payments, saying the Government was working towards ensuring farmers are paid within three days of delivering their wheat.
