Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE Government is exploring innovative strategies to ensure the steady supply of fertilisers, a situation that will enable it to support farmers nationwide and safeguard agricultural productivity.
Geopolitical instability in the Middle East and Europe has disrupted global supply chains, affecting the availability of key agricultural inputs, particularly top-dressing fertilisers.
In a landmark move, Nigerian industrial giant Dangote Group, in November last year, signed a US$1 billion investment agreement with the Zimbabwean Government, which includes plans for a fertiliser production plant alongside other industrial infrastructure, including a 2 000km pipeline from Namibia.
The project signals growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic reform agenda and aligns with Vision 2030 industrialisation goals.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce has also proposed tax exemptions on critical raw material imports, such as boron, zinc and sulphate, to stimulate local fertiliser manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
The committee noted that existing blending plants, including Omnia Zimbabwe, are operating below capacity and emphasised the need to scale up domestic production.
The Government confirmed that operational facilities, such as the Reignbold fertiliser plant, continue to supply seasonal inputs, while policy measures aim to expand domestic output through value-chain incentives and investment facilitation ahead of upcoming cropping seasons. Zimbabwe has traditionally relied on imports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates to meet domestic demand.
However, these challenges have opened doors for foreign direct investment in the local fertiliser sector, with new plants under development expected to provide home-grown solutions and reduce reliance on imports.
In an interview recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the Government is committed to ensuring farmers have uninterrupted access to essential inputs.
“We are working closely with both local and international partners to diversify supply channels and encourage domestic production,” Prof Jiri said.
“This will not only secure fertiliser availability but also strengthen the country’s agricultural resilience in the face of global disruptions.”
Prof Jiri said the Government is implementing a range of measures to support farmers, including reducing levies on key sectors such as dairy, cotton and water, exploring duty-free imports for critical materials and promoting organic and blended fertilisers that can be sourced locally. The farmers’ leadership has welcomed the proactive approach.
Zimbabwe National Farmers’ Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa said the Government’s engagement was timely in helping farmers navigate challenging input markets.
“The commitment shown by Government to secure fertiliser supply and provide alternatives is a positive step that will give our farmers confidence and stability,” Mrs Chinamasa said.
“It ensures that production targets for the season are achievable and that food security is protected.”
Commercial Farmers’ Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe praised the strategy, noting that collaboration between the Government, local producers and private sector partners would be key in mitigating the impact of global market shocks.
“At a time when the world is facing supply chain challenges, it is encouraging to see measures that support domestic production, reduce costs and promote sustainable farming practices,” Dr Makombe said.
Farmers are already benefitting from adaptive practices.
At Kunzani Farm, Mr Godfrey Nkunzani, who recently graduated from a joint venture to operating independently, said locally sourced fertilisers and alternative inputs were helping him maintain high crop yields.
“Using compost, manure and blended fertiliser has allowed us to sustain production across maize, soya beans and potatoes while reducing costs and improving soil health,” he said.
Experts say the focus on local solutions, combined with strategic import diversification, will help Zimbabwe mitigate global disruptions while strengthening the agriculture sector for long-term growth.
Prof Jiri emphasised that these efforts align with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritise modernisation, climate-smart agriculture and intensified production on small plots.
