Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in INSIZA
ZIMBABWE is on course for another bumper harvest, with farmers expected to produce 3,2 million tonnes of maize and other cereals during the 2025/2026 summer cropping season — one million tonnes above national requirements.
The country needs about 2,2 million tonnes of grain annually for consumption, and this year’s strong preparations under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa climate-smart agriculture programme point to yet another successful season.
Speaking at the national launch of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa and 2025/2026 Summer Inputs Distribution Programme at Mrs Litha Ngwenya-Dube’s homestead in Kombe Village, Insiza District, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the nation was well-positioned for a surplus in production.
“This year we plan to plant 2,6 million hectares of cereals to yield 3,2 million tonnes and generate a surplus of one million tonnes above our annual consumption,” he said.
Dr Masuka revealed that farmers had already prepared over 14 million Pfumvudza plots, a 72 percent increase from last season’s figure. More than 1,8 million households have completed their plots covering nearly 720 000 hectares.
“I urge all remaining farmers to complete their three plots to qualify for inputs,” he said.
“But we do Pfumvudza not because of inputs, but because it is the right model under climate change threats.”
Introduced in 2020, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme has revolutionised smallholder farming, increasing productivity and resilience in the face of erratic rainfall.
Participation has grown from 212 000 farmers in 2020 to 985 000 in 2025, with the area under the model expanding to 1,25 million hectares.
Dr Masuka said the programme had propelled the agriculture sector’s value from US$5.6 billion in 2020 to US$10,3 billion in 2025, with projections to reach US$15,8 billion by 2030.
Under the new plan, households will receive inputs for three plots based on agro-ecological regions, while traditional leaders will receive additional support.
Chiefs will also benefit from the construction of five-tonne silos at their homesteads to strengthen community grain reserves.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe said hosting the national launch underscored the Government’s commitment to empowering rural communities.
“Our farmers have embraced Pfumvudza with enthusiasm, and we are confident that this season will deliver another bumper harvest,” he said.
Chief Jahana praised the initiative, saying: “Through Pfumvudza, the Government has transformed rural livelihoods and strengthened food security.”
