Raymond Jaravaza and Peter Matika, Sunday News Reporters
SCATTERED rains received in parts of the country last week have brought relief to livestock farmers through improved water availability and prospects of pasture regeneration, but Government has warned crop farmers against rushing to plant as El Niño-related drought risks persist.
The showers are expected to help restore grazing areas depleted by dry conditions and veld fires, particularly in Matabeleland South, where livestock farmers have been battling diminishing pastures.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development has urged farmers to assess rainfall and soil moisture levels in their localities before planting, warning that isolated thunderstorms do not signal the start of a reliable rainfall season.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry Professor Obert Jiri said the predicted El Niño weather pattern remained a concern despite the recent showers.
“The message to our farmers is that the predicted El Niño weather pattern has not changed. These sporadic and isolated rains are normal at the start of every rainfall season. Farmers must be cautious before planting and determine if their local area has received enough rains that can allow them to start planting,” he said.
Prof Jiri said farmers could consider planting if their areas received more than 20mm of rain over three days, but advised them to assess local conditions before making a decision.
“If their local area receives over 20mm over a period of three days, the farmers can make a decision whether to plant or not, but right now we are in the early stages of the rainfall season so planting is not advisable,” he said.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) forecasts predominantly below-normal rainfall across the country during the October-December period, with the dry signal expected to continue into January-March 2027.
Normal-to-below-normal rainfall is forecast for the southern and western regions, while below-normal conditions are expected across the rest of the country.
The ministry has urged farmers to monitor weather updates and consult agricultural business advisory officers before planting to minimise the risk of crop failure.
“Farmers are urged to exercise caution before planting, as forecasts indicate possible dry spells that could affect newly planted crops. Farmers should assess rainfall received in their localities in consultation with their agricultural business advisory officers,” the ministry said in an advisory.
“As we progress through October and November, farmers are encouraged to remain patient, monitor weather updates and make informed planting decisions to minimise the risk of crop failure.”
Last week, some areas, including Masvingo, experienced thunderstorms accompanied by hailstorms.
In Bulawayo, the showers have seen urban farmers preparing their fields for the 2026/27 summer cropping season, although some are delaying planting until rainfall conditions improve.
Residents in suburbs such as Emganwini cultivate land along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road, while farmers in Mahatshula use open spaces along the Bulawayo-Harare Highway to grow maize, sugar beans and groundnuts.
Mahatshula farmer, Mr Ronald Makono said the recent rains had made land preparation easier, but he was waiting for more reliable rainfall before planting. “The soils here are good, and depending on the field size, some of us can grow maize on up to a hectare or more. The recent rains have made it easier to prepare the land, but I will wait a bit longer before planting,” he said.
Mr Paul Sunday of Emganwini said residents had pooled resources to hire a tractor to prepare their fields along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road.
“We are old and frail, so manual tilling is almost impossible. Hiring a tractor and sharing the cost makes it feasible,” he said.
For livestock farmers, the showers offer prospects of improved grazing and more reliable water supplies after a difficult period marked by pasture depletion and veld fires.
Matabeleland South has recorded a 200 percent increase in veld fires this year, according to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), with eight goats reportedly dying in Gwanda District.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services deputy provincial director for Matabeleland South Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said the rainfall would help regenerate pastures and improve water availability for livestock.
“The current weather pattern is good for livestock farmers whose pastures have either depleted or been burnt by veld fires. The pastures will grow and livestock will be able to thrive,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said some rivers in the province had started flowing following the rainfall, improving water availability for livestock and vegetation.
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“Water is now available and, in some cases, rivers in this region are flowing, meaning there is adequate water for livestock. It is also good for trees that offer shade and food for browsers such as goats,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu urged farmers to strengthen animal-health measures as wetter conditions could create favourable breeding conditions for ticks and other parasites.
“We are saying farmers should dose their animals to ensure they are healthy. They also need to dip them against ticks and other parasites,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu also urged small-grain farmers to prepare their fields and make use of available soil moisture, particularly in the country’s drier southern regions, where sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet are important for climate resilience.
Meanwhile, Government has launched the national Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme in Ward 11 in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, as preparations for the 2026/27 summer cropping season gather pace.
Government is targeting 16 million Pfumvudza plots, with each of the three million rural beneficiary households expected to establish at least three plots.
So far, one million households have dug 4,6 million plots, according to the figures provided by Government.
Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka urged farmers to follow the programme’s conservation agriculture principles as they prepare for a potentially challenging rainfall season.
“As we prepare for a challenging rainfall season, farmers must follow Intwasa/Pfumvudza principles, including proper basin preparation, manure application, mulching and appropriate crop selection,” he said.
“In drier areas such as Chivi, traditional grains like sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet will be critical in building resilience.”
The Grain Marketing Board has also received ZiG120 million from Treasury to facilitate timely payments to farmers, bringing cumulative payments for the current season’s crops to ZiG388 million and US$35 million.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the support would help the organisation meet its payment obligations to farmers.
Agricultural authorities have urged farmers to remain guided by local rainfall conditions, continue preparing their fields and strengthen livestock management as the country enters the new summer season.
