Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Correspondent
FARMERS have started adjusting their cropping strategies ahead of the 2026/27 summer season, with those in drought-prone areas turning to short-season traditional grains and other climate-resilient crops as Zimbabwe prepares for possible El Niño-induced dry conditions.
The farmers spoke as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) continued in Harare yesterday, with exhibitors showcasing livestock, agricultural produce, machinery, inputs and technologies designed to support the country’s agricultural transformation.
For farmers such as Gogo Chiedza Mukushwa of Ward 15 in Buhera under Chief Nyashanu, the anticipated dry season has reinforced the need to grow crops that can withstand limited rainfall.
Gogo Mukushwa said her community would increase production of traditional grains, including short-season varieties, while also growing groundnuts to strengthen household food security and generate income.
“We are also planning to grow groundnuts and these grains. With these grains we can sell the surplus and send our children to school,” she said.
Although the area does not have irrigation schemes, Gogo Mukushwa said farmers could cushion themselves against drought by selecting crops suited to their conditions.
“We do not have irrigation schemes, but I am sure if we stick to these grains, we will be food secure in the event of the drought which is anticipated,” she said.
Another farmer, Mrs Eunice Chirangande from Mt Darwin, said she was preparing early for the coming season after recording improved cotton production.
“I may be one of the most improved cotton farmers this year because I managed to produce more bales than before. This has encouraged me to continue working hard and to prepare early for the coming season,” she said.
The experiences of the two farmers underline the growing emphasis on climate-smart agriculture as Government, seed companies and other stakeholders encourage farmers to prepare for possible below-normal rainfall.
Seed Co Limited Head of Agronomy and Extension Services Mr Dior Pote said the company was working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to support the country’s food security drive and provide farmers with varieties suited to different climatic conditions.
“We are quite excited to be working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, our Government of Zimbabwe. We are sharing the same vision, Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal Number Two,” he said.
Mr Pote said Seed Co was preparing farmers through its pre-season platform, which enables them to access seed and ‘select’ hybrids according to their production environments and expected weather conditions.
“We have the right variety which speaks directly to the weather challenges that you are likely to face. This includes early-maturing, very early-maturing and medium-maturing hybrids, while we still have late-maturing hybrids for those doing irrigated cropping,” he said.
He said the company had introduced a new hybrid that takes about 114 to 120 days to mature, giving farmers another option for a potentially dry season.
Mr Pote said Seed Co was also supporting moisture conservation and agronomic practices that improve water-use efficiency.
He urged farmers to prepare rather than panic, saying early planning was critical given the possibility of El Niño.
“The chances of El Niño, at 80 to 90 percent, have been confirmed, and this year we are likely to receive limited rainfall. All our varieties respond positively to the weather phenomenon, and we speak of agro-ecological tailoring depending on the region where you are,” he said.
The approach is in line with Government’s broader drive to promote agro-ecologically specific production, encouraging farmers to ‘select’ crops and varieties suited to their local conditions.
At the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, the focus on climate resilience is being matched by displays of agricultural machinery, livestock, inputs, technologies and services, allowing farmers to interact with producers and service providers ahead of the 2026/27 season.
With weather experts warning of the possibility of an El Niño season, farmers are being encouraged to make early decisions on what to plant, when to plant and how to conserve moisture.
The preparations are expected to complement the Government’s wider drought mitigation measures aimed at safeguarding national food and nutrition security while sustaining agricultural production under changing climatic conditions.
