Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT will launch a nationwide cloud-seeding programme on November 1, deploying three aircraft from strategic bases across the country as Zimbabwe steps up measures to safeguard agricultural production and water security against a Super El Niño that could spawn a devastating drought.
The operation is part of a broader package of anticipatory measures being rolled out before the potentially difficult 2026/27 summer cropping season, rather than waiting for the effects of depressed rainfall to take hold.
Zimbabwe’s seasonal outlook points to generally below-normal rainfall, elevated temperatures and potentially prolonged dry spells during the coming season, making early intervention critical.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Government was intensifying mitigation measures, with cloud-seeding scheduled to begin at the start of November.
“In light of the unprecedented Super El Niño warnings being issued by global climate agencies, Government is intensifying mitigation measures, including cloud-seeding efforts to increase chances of precipitation,” said Dr Soda.
“The nation is informed that cloud seeding is set to commence on 1 November 2026.”
Three aircraft will be stationed in Harare, Bulawayo and Masvingo, giving the programme nationwide reach.
The aircraft operating from Harare will service Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central, while the Bulawayo station will cover Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.
The Masvingo-based aircraft will service Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland provinces.
“Government continues to mobilise resources to ensure the successful implementation of this critical programme,” said Dr Soda.
The latest intervention builds on preparations already underway under the Government’s six-pillar drought mitigation strategy, which includes strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve, accelerating climate-smart agricultural production, establishing an integrated financing architecture, protecting livestock, facilitating imports where necessary and strengthening early-warning and coordination systems.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka revealed last week that authorities had secured three aircraft and were assessing the availability of pilots, technical personnel and other resources needed for cloud-seeding operations.
Government is also exploring the use of drones and fixed stations to complement conventional aircraft-based operations.
Cloud seeding does not create clouds or rain from clear skies, but is used when suitable rain-bearing clouds are present to enhance their potential to produce precipitation.
The expanded programme assumes greater significance this season after forecasts indicated that a strong El Niño could suppress rainfall during both the October-December period and parts of January-March 2027.
Forecasters have also cautioned farmers against relying on isolated early rains for planting decisions because of the possibility of prolonged dry spells.
Government has consequently been pushing a combination of irrigation development, water harvesting, climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa production and other interventions to reduce agriculture’s vulnerability to rainfall fluctuations.
The cloud-seeding programme also dovetails with Zimbabwe’s push for greater regional and international cooperation in building climate-resilient agriculture.
Dr Soda said Cabinet approved two agricultural cooperation agreements — one with Indonesia and another with Tanzania — aimed at strengthening agricultural production and modernisation.
The agreement with Indonesia provides a framework for cooperation in agricultural development, food diversification, crop and livestock production, mechanisation, digital agriculture, trade and technology transfer.
Government expects the arrangement to help modernise farming systems, improve livestock production and create new international trade networks.
Cabinet also approved an agricultural Memorandum of Understanding with Tanzania covering productivity, food and nutrition security, value addition, agro-industrialisation, regional trade, technology transfer and institutional collaboration.
The agreement is expected to deepen long-standing bilateral relations between Harare and Dodoma, whose ties date back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has signalled its intention to host a future edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum, following Nigeria’s withdrawal from the 2027 hosting arrangements.
Dr Soda said Cabinet had received a report on Zimbabwe’s participation at this month’s forum in Kigali, Rwanda, which attracted about 5 000 delegates.
Dr Masuka was the keynote speaker during a session on turning El Niño intelligence into climate-resilient food systems for Africa, where he outlined Zimbabwe’s preparations for the anticipated Super El Niño.
He highlighted Pfumvudza/Intwasa, irrigation development, Village Business Units and the six pillars of Government’s summer production plan among measures designed to protect food production against climate shocks.
The forum identified investment and finance; food security and nutrition; climate resilience; collaboration for climate action; youth and digital innovation; and trade, marketing and value chains as six priority areas for building resilient African food systems.
Hosting a future edition, Government said, would raise Zimbabwe’s international profile while providing another platform to attract investment into agriculture and associated value chains.
