Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Government has set an ambitious target of producing 3,2 million tonnes of cereal from 2,8 million hectares of crops for the upcoming season.
As farmers engage in land preparations, meaningful rains are expected this month, which could significantly benefit crop yields and increase the nation’s agricultural output.
So far, over nine million plots have been prepared, reflecting the Government’s commitment to ensuring a stable food supply.
The 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan specifically targets 1,8 million hectares for maize, 516 000 hectares for sorghum, and 280 000 hectares for traditional grains, supported by various initiatives such as the Presidential Inputs Programme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS).
This plan aims for a production increase of 2,5 million tonnes of maize and 687 000 tonnes of traditional grains, exceeding national food and feed requirements by 33 percent above established policy targets.
Maize, a staple food in Zimbabwe, is projected to rise from 2 299 216 tonnes to 2 520 000 tonnes. Other crops, including sorghum and soybeans, also show promising increases, as the Government emphasises sustainable agricultural practices designed to ensure food security for all Zimbabweans.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary ,Professor Obert Jiri, has called for greater collaboration between private partners and financial institutions to support farmers this season.
“Irrigation is the way to go; we cannot wait for the rain. We must engage in massive irrigation,” he said.
“We must dislocate and remove the link between production and rainfall, and the only way to delink that is through irrigation development.”
His remarks highlight the need to adapt agricultural practices to changing climate conditions.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting three million rural households, is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity.
Under NEAPS, banks like AFC, CBZ Agro Yield, and NMB are encouraged to provide vital financial resources to farmers.
As the season progresses, contractors are obligated to purchase contracted crops, while the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and beneficiaries of the Presidential Input Support Scheme must deliver their crops to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Seed companies report having adequate stocks for the summer season, and both financial institutions and chemical companies are ready to assist farmers.
