Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE 2025/2026 agricultural season in Manicaland is looking promising, with planting targets for key cereals like maize, rapoko, and groundnuts already surpassed, pointing to a potential bumper harvest.
However, farmers are facing challenges due to the high cost of top dressing fertilisers, currently priced between US$40 and US$45, which is beyond their means.
The issue is exacerbated by areas experiencing high rainfall, leading to leaching and forcing farmers to reapply Compound D fertilisers.
The Government has implemented initiatives to support farmers, including the Pfumvudza programme, which provides free inputs to smallholder farmers. Additionally, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has set the producer price of US$380 per tonne for maize and traditional grains for the 2025/2026 season – seeking to incentivise farmers and ensure food security.
Leaching, exacerbated by high rainfall, is forcing smallholder farmers in Manicaland to reapply costly fertilisers, further straining their resources.
With top dressing fertilisers priced between US$40 and US$45, many are struggling to afford the additional expense, threatening their yields and livelihoods. As smallholders constitute the bulk of farmers, this needs to be addressed as it could have significant implications for food security and the local economy.
Manicaland Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDS) director, Mr Nhamo Mudada revealed that the target for maize has been surpassed by two percent, while that of rapoko and groundnuts by 51 and 71 percent, respectively as more farmers heed Government’s call to produce traditional grains.
“Planting is progressing well and we are advising farmers to finalise planting of maize and other cereals. So far the province has surpassed the targeted hectarage of maize. Planting is still continuing and we look forward to surpass the target by over two percent. Rainfall distribution is very commendable and we look forward to a good season as predicted by the Metrological Services Department (MSD).
“In terms of traditional grains, we have exceeded our target by 51 percent for rapoko and groundnuts by 71 percent, and planting is still in progress. With these rains, leaching can be a challenge, especially in areas with light soils with mire sand particles. We are encouraging farmers to continue weeding and apply top dressing fertilisers to reduce chances of nutrient losses due to leaching.
“There are no outbreaks of both the African and fall armyworm. Farmers are encouraged to scout for pests in cereals and other crops. Scouting is good for early pest detection before they cause major damage. Farmers are also encouraged to work closely and seek expert advice of good agricultural practices from their Agricultural Business Advisory Officers to minimise chances of loses due to pests and weeds. We expect our farmers to have an improved yield per hectare,” said Mr Mudada.
Headlands farmer, Mr Raymond Sakutukwa said their area experienced leaching as they received intensive rainfall, which washed away fertilisers forcing those with capacity to reapply compound D fertilisers.
He revealed that price of top dressing fertilisers have shot up and this may affect final yield.
“We received intensive rains around Christmas Day which caused a lot of run off which swept away nutrients. Farmers had to reapply compound D, but not everyone has that capacity. The major challenge is the price of top dressing fertiliser which has risen up to US$45, and is being accessed through dealers. That price is too much for a farmer to get a return on investment. Farmers will get a desired yield per hectare if they apply all the required fertilisers but with the prices they struggle to break even. This has also been a lesson for farmers that they should avoid last minute buying of inputs. With a permitting cash flow farmers should purchase all inputs way before the season starts,” said Mr Sakutukwa.
