Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa and Obey Musiiwa
MASHONALAND West Province is poised for a bumper maize harvest after exceeding its planting target for the 2025/26 summer cropping season.
This underscores the growing impact of favourable rains and sustained Government support to farmers.
The province recorded approximately 374 000 hectares under maize, surpassing its initial target of 360 000 hectares, as farmers took advantage of improved rainfall patterns experienced across most parts of the country.
The increase in hectarage translates to significantly improved yields, raising prospects for enhanced national food security if weather conditions remain stable through to harvest.
The positive outlook comes as Mashonaland West continues to anchor Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, not only through maize production but also as the country’s leading tobacco-producing province, contributing about 33 percent of national output.
The dual strength in both staple and cash crops positions the province as a critical pillar in driving agricultural growth, rural incomes and export earnings.
Farmers have attributed the anticipated bumper harvest to a combination of favourable climatic conditions and Government-backed interventions, including improved access to inputs, mechanisation support and the expansion of irrigation infrastructure aimed at strengthening climate resilience.
Holland Park Farm manager, Mr Alex Janasi, said their operations had recorded notable progress this season.
The farm located in Zvimba North, is owned by Mines and Mining Development Minister, Dr Polite Kambamura.
“We put 230 hectares under maize this season. Our operations also include horticulture projects, fisheries and beef production.
“The favourable rainfall patterns, coupled with strict adherence to good agricultural practices, have positioned us for a strong yield across all our enterprises,” he said.
The farm employs close to a hundred workers and investment in modern farming equipment like centre pivots, tractors and rippers has strengthened operations.
Mashonaland West Provincial Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Mr Caristo Masiwa, said the province was headed for a maize bumper harvest as farmers rallied behind the call by President Mnangagwa for them to help build Zimbabwe.
“The province recorded a total of 374 600 hectares under maize this season, reflecting a strong commitment by farmers to scale up production despite varying climatic conditions,” he said.
He added that the Government was also intensifying efforts to promote small grains such as sorghum and millet, which are key to building resilience against climate change.
“Traditional grains, particularly mapfunde, have registered notable progress, with an increasing number of farmers now operating under contract farming arrangements. This has improved access to inputs and markets while enhancing the productivity and viability of small grains,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary for the ministry, Professor Obert Jiri who toured the farm last Friday said the Second Republic was pleased by the performance of farmers across the entire country
Prof Jiri said the ongoing Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA) was going to provide a comprehensive picture of the season’s output.
“Our farmers need to be appreciated for putting in a stellar effort in growing this year’s crop. Despite lower rainfall in some parts of the Mashonaland provinces, we are seeing a much better crop compared to last year. It is encouraging to note that we are heading towards a very good harvest,” he said.
Prof Jiri added that as farmers were now shifting focus to winter wheat production, the country also eyes yet another bumper harvest.
“As the summer cropping season wraps up, farmers are already transitioning into winter wheat production. With temperatures beginning to drop, there is emphasis on using grain dryers where available to maintain quality and ensure a smooth shift into winter cropping programs,” he said.
