Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
The Government has launched a nationwide cloud seeding programme using two aircraft to enhance rainfall and support the favourable weather outlook for the 2025–26 summer cropping season, in a major step to strengthen food security and climate resilience.
The programme, which is already underway, is being rolled out by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in partnership with other stakeholders, and is designed to complement the normal to above-normal rains forecast for the season.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the National Climate Outlook Forum (NACOF) held in Harare on Tuesday, MSD director Mrs Rebecca Manzou said the initiative reflects Government’s proactive approach to stabilising rainfall patterns and minimising the impact of mid-season dry spells.
“As the country leaves no stone unturned for the upcoming summer cropping season, the Government has two aircraft — one operating in the northern parts of the country and another in the southern parts — that will be doing cloud seeding,” she said.
“More players have also expressed interest in joining the initiative this season.”
Cloud seeding — a weather modification process that enhances rainfall by dispersing certain substances into clouds — is expected to support consistent precipitation, especially in semi-arid regions that are prone to erratic rainfall.
According to the MSD, Zimbabwe is projected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall across most provinces, driven by a La Niña weather pattern that typically brings wetter conditions to Southern Africa.
Mrs Manzou said the forecast points to a promising outlook, particularly between December and March, the peak of the summer season.
“What it means is an increased chance of normal to above-normal rainfall across the country,” she said.
“That covers the period from December to February, and we expect similar conditions from January to March.”
However, she warned that November rains may be below normal, before the season fully establishes in mid-December.
“If we look at November, the colours on the map show a golden shade, meaning normal to below-normal rainfall. But as we move deeper into December, we expect widespread rainfall,” she explained.
She urged farmers, planners, and other sectors to stay engaged with meteorological updates throughout the season, stressing that “forecasting is a shared responsibility.”
“We provide the science, but it takes coordinated action from farmers, planners and policymakers to make it work,” she added.
Coordination
The cloud seeding programme will work hand-in-hand with other agricultural interventions outlined in the 2025/26 Summer Cropping Plan, launched by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The plan targets 3.2 million tonnes of cereal production, a 33 percent surplus above national food and feed requirements.
“The 2025/26 summer plan aims to ensure that every farmer, every household, and every region benefits from the anticipated rains,” Ministry of Lands Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said.
“Cloud seeding is not about replacing rainfall — it is about complementing nature to ensure that no area is left behind.”
He said the initiative reflects the Government’s proactive approach to climate-proofing agriculture through science, technology and local participation.
“Beyond rainfall forecasts, we are expanding irrigation and strengthening Pfumvudza/Intwasa to make sure the season translates into food security,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa