Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT’S distribution of farming inputs is in full swing nationwide as weekend rains continue, boosting preparations for the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
Farmers across the country are preparing to plant, while authorities move to ensure inputs reach all wards by month-end.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri advised farmers with sufficient rainfall to begin planting, while urging those in areas with isolated showers to wait until conditions improve.
“Inputs distribution is well on course, about 100 percent maize and top-dressing fertiliser, just under 30 percent of basal fertiliser and liquid lime we are beginning to get that and about 25 percent of the sorghum seed,” said Prof Jiri.
“We want every farmer to be able to use liquid lime. So the inputs have come through, and we launched the national Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Masvingo last month.”
The accelerated distribution comes as farmers finish preparing land and Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots ahead of the peak planting period. Prof Jiri noted that preparations are critical as the country faces a season potentially affected by a strong El Niño event.
“We are deep in preparations for summer. Farmers have expedited the preparation of Pfumvudza plots, which is critical. Farmers need to prepare accordingly because the season might not be good. Agro-matched input acquisition and land preparation must be on point,” he said.
He cautioned that initial rains should not automatically trigger planting everywhere.
“We still encourage farmers to be patient about planting,” said Prof Jiri, advising growers to assess local conditions and the likelihood of follow-up rains before sowing.
The Ministry has urged farmers to consult Agricultural Business Advisory Officers for local guidance. While rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres over three days can guide planting decisions, adequate soil moisture and prospects of continued rain remain essential.
Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme, the Government is expanding coverage from 718 000 hectares to one million hectares to climate-proof agriculture and strengthen food security. More than 6 000 agricultural extension workers have also been deployed nationwide to assist farmers and bolster early warning systems.
Prof Jiri warned that crop selection will be vital where weather conditions prove unfavourable for maize.
“In most areas across the country, we know that the suitability for maize is going to be constricted,” he said.
He urged farmers to diversify into traditional grains like sorghum and millet, alongside sunflower and short-season varieties suited to a shorter rainfall window. The Government has engaged seed houses to ensure access to these climate-smart varieties.
Seed Co Africa head of agronomy and public relations manager Ms Wendy Madzura said farmers can mitigate risks by staggering planting dates and selecting varieties with varying maturity periods. She added that water harvesting and soil moisture conservation remain vital if rainfall is poorly distributed.
