Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
THE Government has assured the nation that preparations for the 2025/26 summer cropping season are at an advanced stage, with early input distribution already underway across the country as part of broader agricultural transformation efforts to ensure food security.
Speaking to Sunday News yesterday, the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said critical inputs were readily available and distribution was progressing smoothly.
“The preparations for the summer season are now well advanced. Seed for both maize and traditional grains is available and deliveries are being made to all areas as expeditiously as possible,” said Prof Jiri.
He said fertilisers were being transported to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots nationwide, expressing confidence that the bulk of inputs would reach farmers before the onset of the rains, a development that sets a positive tone for the coming season.
“Fertilisers are also being moved to the GMB depots across the country for onward distribution to the farmers. We anticipate that the bulk of inputs will be with the farmers ahead of the start of the rains,” he said.
The Government’s assurance comes as farmers across Matabeleland North Province are already geared for the 2025–2026 summer cropping season. According to agricultural officials, land preparation is progressing well, with many farmers taking advantage of early rains that have improved soil moisture.
The enthusiasm has been fueled by the timely rollout of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme and Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which continue to anchor the country’s food security drive. Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Matabeleland North director, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, said most districts still had carryover inputs from the previous season.
“In terms of quantities, all the districts have some inputs from the previous season in the form of fertiliser compound D and ammonium nitrate and also sunflower seed and pesticide the chemical that is used to control fall armyworm and a bit of combo acids,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He noted that Nkayi District had already received 60 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser, with other consignments expected soon to cover the entire province.
“However, we have been promised that we will receive these inputs before the onset of rains, especially in areas where transportation can be disturbed by rainfall, including Lusulu and Binga. But basically, everything is in order; farmers are geared to take up the season,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said input packages had already been distributed to all traditional leaders, including chiefs and kraal heads, with farmers in areas such as Umguza (Mbembesi) having received inputs after completing their Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots.
He added that many farmers were complementing Government efforts by purchasing their own seed and applying organic manure to boost soil fertility.
“We have been encouraging them to buy seed, engage in fertility management, and they are applying manure while some farmers still have fertiliser from the previous season.
I think we are seeing a lot of traction, and we hope they will manage the season very well.”
In a positive sign of readiness, seed shops in Bulawayo were observed to have stocked key agricultural inputs, including maize seed, sorghum, sunflower and fertiliser, ensuring easy access for farmers ahead of the planting period.
Dealers confirmed steady demand from both communal and commercial farmers preparing for the new season. With weather experts forecasting rainfall patterns similar to last year, farmers remain optimistic about achieving good yields.
Many are opting to plant traditional grains such as sorghum and millet, which are more tolerant to high temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns common in the region.
“We are gathering data to get clear information on how many farmers have planted. We know some farmers have already started planting using their own seed, which is really commendable because the Government is complementing their efforts,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“Farmers need to treat farming as a business because farming is money, and they need to understand that.”
Traditional leaders have also confirmed readiness for the new season. On Friday Chief Menyezwa of Lupane District said they had received communication from Government departments confirming imminent distribution of inputs.
“We got official communication from the District Development Coordinator and ARDAS that distribution of seeds and fertilisers will be done next week,” said Chief Menyezwa.
Nationally, the Government has launched the 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan, targeting the planting of 1,8 million hectares of maize under the Presidential Inputs Scheme and other support programmes. Additionally, 516 000 hectares of sorghum and 280 000 hectares of traditional grains are being targeted this season.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme continues to record significant progress, with over eight million plots prepared so far, representing 75 percent of the target.
Introduced under the Second Republic to boost productivity and build climate resilience, the programme remains central to achieving national food self-sufficiency.
Government said support will reach three million beneficiaries this season, with each farmer expected to cultivate at least two to three plots.
Each input package includes seed, basal and top-dressing fertiliser, and agronomic training.
Distribution of Pfumvudza inputs has already begun, with deliveries being made to various GMB depots countrywide.
Meanwhile, contracting of farmers under the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) is also underway.
Funding for this year’s agricultural programmes is being mobilised jointly by the Government, private sector and development partners, a move expected to ensure timely input supply and sustained productivity.
Furthermore, the Government plans to distribute inputs according to agro-ecological regions, to optimise yields and help farmers adapt to climatic variations.
With preparations well underway, Matabeleland North is expected to make a strong contribution to national food security while reinforcing the success of conservation agriculture initiatives championed under the Second Republic.
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Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Colletta Dube