Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
FARMERS in Matabeleland South have been urged to prepare early for the 2026/27 agricultural season by adopting climate-smart farming practices and prioritising drought-tolerant crops amid anticipated El Niño conditions.
Speaking at the provincial launch of the Presidential Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme in Fula Village in Beitbridge District on Mionday, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said early preparation, informed by reliable weather forecasts, was critical to reducing the risk of crop failure and livestock losses.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Government was preparing farmers to manage potential climate-related challenges rather than allowing uncertainty over the seasonal outlook to cause panic.
He said Beitbridge had been selected to host the provincial launch because of its growing commercial significance and strategic position along Zimbabwe’s trade corridor with South Africa and the wider region.
“Conscious of this strategic advantage, we meet at a critical time when the anticipated El Niño conditions present risks of below-normal rainfall, higher temperatures and prolonged dry spells,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Despite this, as Government, we urge you not to panic, but to prepare early and act early.”
Minister Nguluvhe urged farmers to use seasonal forecasts as planning tools, accessing reliable information from the Meteorological Services Department through agricultural extension officers while complementing scientific forecasts with indigenous knowledge.
He said the success of the Intwasa/Pfumvudza conservation agriculture programme depended on four key principles: minimum soil disturbance, maximum soil cover, crop rotation and timely farming operations.
The practices help conserve soil moisture, improve soil health and reduce production risks under dry conditions.
Farmers were encouraged to prepare their land early, plant when adequate moisture was available and select crops suited to their local conditions.
“In Matabeleland South, traditional grains are key drought-tolerant crops worth producing, and these provide superfoods for nutritious diets. I urge our farmers to prioritise sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said increasing small-grain production would also support the Government’s value-addition drive, as investors sought to process the crops into products such as instant porridge.
Minister Nguluvhe said livestock management was equally important in preparing for dry conditions, urging farmers to conserve hay, prepare silage, store crop residue and maintain reliable water supplies for their animals.
“I urge farmers to take advantage of auction sales happening across the province, cull non-productive stock and reinvest in the livestock sector. Fodder production should be given the highest priority,” he said.
The minister called for closer collaboration among farmers, extension officers, researchers, input suppliers, traditional leaders and development partners to improve productivity and strengthen resilience.
“Let us translate early warnings into early action and agricultural knowledge into increased productivity. To assist us, we have at our disposal the Agricultural Business Advisory and Extension
Service, researchers, input suppliers, traditional leaders and development partners, and I urge us to continue working together harmoniously,” he said.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services provincial director for Matabeleland South, Ms Shupikai Sibanda, said the province was targeting between 170 000 and 190 000 households under the Presidential programme during the current season.
In Beitbridge District, 18 000 households are expected to benefit.
Ms Sibanda said each beneficiary household would receive 5kg of sorghum seed, 16kg of Compound D fertiliser, 16kg of ammonium nitrate (AN) fertiliser, one litre of liquid lime, 500ml of Atrazine herbicide and 200ml of Cipronil pesticide.
She said the programme, launched nationally on October 9, was intended to strengthen household food security, particularly in rural communities.
Ms Sibanda urged farmers to work closely with extension officers to ensure that inputs were used appropriately and crops were managed effectively. An exchange programme would also be organised for farmers interested in growing maize, she said.
Beitbridge West legislator Thusani Ndou, who attended the launch, commended President Mnangagwa for supporting smallholder farmers, saying the programme would help communities improve household food security.
The host farmer, Mr Edinal Nare of Fula Village 2 in Beitbridge East, thanked the Government for the initiative and encouraged other farmers to participate and make effective use of the inputs.
