Nyasha Simbisai, Agriculture Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has intensified the delivery of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Inputs Programme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), with maize seed supplies surpassing the national target by seven percent.
This comes as preparations for the 2026/27 summer cropping season gather momentum amid anticipated El Niño-induced drought conditions.
The latest Agricultural Development Advisory Services (ADAS) report, dated October 23, reveals that 3 198 tonnes of maize seed have been delivered against a national target of 3 000 tonnes, representing 107 percent achievement and demonstrating significant progress in mobilising critical production inputs ahead of the main planting season.
This is part of the Government’s broader strategy to climate-proof agriculture, strengthen household food security and ensure farmers are adequately supported to sustain production despite increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
According to the report, deliveries of top-dressing fertiliser have reached 30 194 tonnes against a target of 60 000 tonnes, representing 50 percent, while Compound D deliveries stand at 13 264 tonnes, equivalent to 22 percent of the targeted quantity.
Sunflower seed deliveries have reached 944 tonnes against a target of 1 700 tonnes, representing 56 percent, while sorghum seed deliveries stand at approximately 1 270 tonnes against a national target of 6 600 tonnes.
The programme has also received 180 874 units of liquid lime, an important soil amendment intended to address soil acidity and improve nutrient availability, particularly in communal farming areas.
The report indicates that substantial quantities are still held at depots awaiting collection and onward distribution.
Mashonaland Central has received 842 tonnes of maize seed deliveries, against a target of 452 tonnes, representing 186 percent.
Mashonaland West has received 1 055 tonnes against a target of 707 tonnes, while Manicaland has received 389 tonnes against its target of 344 tonnes.
Midlands has also surpassed its maize seed delivery target, receiving 168 tonnes against 160 tonnes.
On fertiliser deliveries, Manicaland has received 6 508 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser, representing 66 percent of its target, followed by Masvingo at 64 percent and the Midlands at 62 percent.
The developments come as the Government implements a restructured, climate-proofed Presidential Inputs Programme under the third pillar of its six strategic drought mitigation pillars, focusing on integrated agricultural financing and improved access to production resources.
The programme is complemented by accelerated climate-smart production initiatives, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, soil health management, moisture conservation, agro-ecological crop matching and the promotion of drought-tolerant traditional grains.
Nationally, farmers have prepared 9 477 090 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, representing approximately 59 percent of the targeted 16 million plots for the 2026/27 summer season.
The report further indicates that 3 725 369 farmers have participated in plot preparation.
Government is targeting one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa this season, up from 713 000 hectares in 2025, as it intensifies efforts to protect national food security.
Meanwhile, authorities are strengthening coordination among agricultural contractors, input suppliers, extension officers and other stakeholders to facilitate production financing, input mobilisation and timely agricultural advisory services.
The report also highlights plans to facilitate duty-free fertiliser imports to bridge supply gaps, alongside increased use of organic fertilisers, compost and manure to improve soil fertility.
With farmers already undertaking land preparation across the country, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Mechanisation and Water Resources Development continues to emphasise the importance of following meteorological forecasts and extension advice before planting.
