Online Reporter
Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
AT least 190 000 hectares of cereals have been planted in Manicaland since the onset of the 2025/26 summer cropping season in November, with more hectarage still to be planted going forward as farmers work around the clock to achieve set targets.
Manicaland Provincial Director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mr Nhamo Mudada told The Manica Post during a tour of districts conducted by directors from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development last week that the province is making significant strides in cereal production.
Mr Mudada said over 190 000 hectares were planted, especially cereals, in the province, with the bulk of the cereal planting concentrated in Makoni, Mutasa, Chipinge, and Mutare districts.
These districts have witnessed significant planting activity, with farmers taking advantage of the prevailing rains to plant crops such as maize, sorghum, and millets.
Makoni, Mutare and Mutasa districts are also the province’s hubs of tobacco production.
Mr Mudada attributed the progress to Government’s efforts to promote agricultural production and support farmers with inputs and technical assistance. He said the province is on track to meet its cereal production targets, which is a positive development for food security in the region.
The tour was aimed at assessing the progress of the cropping season, identifying challenges, and providing guidance to farmers.
Mr Mudada said the ministry is committed to support farmers to achieve their full potential and contribute to the country’s food security goals.
“We received directors from the ministry, who visited all the districts in the province to assess the crop situation. As it stands, the province has planted over 190 000 hectares of cereals. The ministry has been impressed with the planting situation in the province. Farmers are raring to go, and already 1,6 million plots have been prepared and planted, surpassing the target of 1,4 million, which will lead to increased harvests. As a province, we are targeting to surpass our cereal production goals so that the recently commissioned GMB silos in Mutare are fully stocked during the upcoming harvest
“ Pfumvudza has been fully embraced by the farmers, and those who have adopted this model always reap a good harvest. We are targeting 265 000 hectares of maize this year to achieve more than 400 000 metric tonnes of grain. In addition to maize, farmers are also receiving support on small grains inputs,” said Mr Mudada.
Mr Mudada said the province has implemented an early Pfumvudza programme in Buhera irrigation schemes, which is yielding positive results.
“Buhera District, in particular, is already projecting a bumper harvest due to early preparations and effective use of irrigation schemes. We implemented the early Pfumvudza programme in Buhera and it has managed to yield positive results,” said Mr Mudada, while encouraging farmers to keep planting while conditions are favourable.
“The rains are still falling, and we urge farmers to continue planting so they can also benefit from selling surplus produce. We are conducting assessments of the current planting season to ensure all crops are properly planted, monitored, and supported for optimal growth.
‘‘The evaluations aim to identify challenges early, provide guidance to farmers, and ensure food security through timely interventions,” he said, adding that farmers should be on the lookout for fall armyworm.
ARDAS chief director, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said the ongoing assessments are critical in guiding provinces on input utilisation, crop management, and the overall performance of the season.
Meanwhile, veterinary experts are urging farmers to take extra precautions against foot rot in livestock, particularly in pens with poor or ineffective drainage systems.
The condition, which develops in wet and muddy environments, can cause weight loss and reduced productivity if not addressed promptly.
Livestock expert, Mr John Mwandifura said foot rot is a serious concern during the rainy season, as wet conditions create the perfect environment for the disease to spread among animals.
He advised farmers to regularly inspect their livestock for early signs of infection and to seek prompt veterinary care when needed.
Mr Mwandifura said farmers should also guard against tick-borne diseases, including the January disease, heartwater, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can cause significant losses in livestock production if not properly managed and controlled through regular dipping and veterinary care.
