Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO
GOVERNMENT has assured farmers that adequate seed and fertiliser stocks are already in the country to support the 2026 winter wheat season, easing fears of possible supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Authorities have said early planning and forward procurement placed Zimbabwe in a stable position ahead of the winter cropping programme, a key pillar in national food security efforts.
Zimbabwe imported about US$331,08 million worth of fertilisers in 2024, mainly for maize and wheat production, with supplies largely sourced from the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Southern Africa.
The current stocks according to Government are however sufficient to meet demand from both smallholder and commercial farmers under public and private sector input support programmes.
Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development and Lands and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said winter season inputs planning was deliberately done well in advance to avoid seasonal shocks.
“Yes, we are going into the winter season, and inputs are critical. The situation in the Middle East, of course, is a cause for concern,” said Prof Jiri.
He said the country had enough inputs, especially seed and fertilisers.
Prof Jiri said fertiliser under the Presidential Input Support Programme had already been distributed to farmers and Grain Marketing Board depots, while commercial farmers were also adequately covered.
While assuring availability, Prof Jiri acknowledged that global instability continued to exert pressure on pricing dynamics.
“We do anticipate that during the winter season, we should not see any major upsets in terms of prices of fertilisers,” he said.
Government is now focusing not only on short-term input stability but also on strengthening long-term resilience in the agriculture sector against external shocks.
Fertiliser Seed Grain (FSG)’s Superfert country director, Mr Ngoni Kandeya, said the company was working to ensure an uninterrupted supply despite global market uncertainties.
“As you are aware, SuperFert, popularly known as FSG, has been contributing to the national food basket and food security for the past 10 years,” he said.
“We are geared towards preparing for the winter and summer cropping season. With what is happening in the Middle East, where most of our fertiliser and raw materials come from, we are ensuring a steady supply into the market.”
He said the company had sufficient stocks of both basal and top-dressing fertilisers to support the winter cropping programme, while also building capacity for the summer season.
“In terms of the Government programme, we continue supporting our partners to ensure there are sufficient stocks of fertiliser and raw materials in the economy. The idea is ensuring that the country does not go hungry and remains food secure,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa