Nation poised for record agric season

Theseus Shambare-Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE is set for yet another bumper agricultural season, with projections indicating that cereal output could exceed 3,2 million tonnes as favourable rains and high farmer participation signal a strong start to the 2025/26 summer cropping season.

This year, the country is expected to receive above-normal rainfall, according to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and other regional climate experts who have forecast that the season will be dominated by La Niña conditions. The phenomenon, which brings cooler and wetter weather to much of Southern Africa, is expected to sustain strong crop growth across all provinces.

To date, over 14 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots have been prepared nationwide, with more farmers still finalising their fields ahead of the full planting phase.

The strong turnout highlights the growing enthusiasm for conservation agriculture, which has become central to the Government’s food security strategy.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said favourable rains and early preparations have set the tone for what could be another record harvest. “The rain is falling here again this afternoon, and we have had some very good rains in several parts of the country. Wherever you have received 30 millimetres and above, you know that the season has started, so you must begin cropping,” he said.

“This season is predicted to be very good — the forecast is excellent, so my expectation is that the 3,2 million metric tonnes of cereals from 2,6 million hectares will be surpassed,” he said.

Zimbabwe requires about 2,2 million tonnes of grain annually for human and livestock consumption.

If the projected harvest is achieved, it will not only secure the nation’s food needs but also provide a significant surplus to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR). The SGR currently holds just around 500 000 tonnes, and an additional million tonnes from this season’s output would enhance the country’s ability to withstand future droughts and stabilise national food prices.

He said the Presidential Inputs Scheme, combined with increased adoption of Pfumvudza/Intwasa, was transforming smallholder agriculture into a productive and climate-resilient system.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Pfumvudza/Intwasa Launch in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said farmer response had exceeded projections. “As I speak right now, we are sitting at 14 million plots, and the programme is supporting three million farmers this season. We initially expected nine million plots, but we are now talking about 14 million, which shows that adoption has gone further,” she said.

Mrs Magwenzi said Pfumvudza/Intwasa had become a fully-fledged farming system rather than a mere input-support scheme. “Pfumvudza/Intwasa is no longer just about inputs; it is now a way of farming,” she said. “We are climate-proofing our agriculture by using mulch to preserve moisture, improve soil fertility and promote sustainable production. Our farmers are ready, and we are confident yields will continue to grow.”

Chief Agronomist and ARDA board chairman Mr Ivan Craig said early preparations and proper crop choices would be key to ensuring maximum returns from the expected rains. “This is the time for farmers to take advice from their local Agricultural Business Advisors and plant according to agro-ecological conditions,” he said. “Those in wetter regions should focus on maize and oilseeds, while those in drier zones must prioritise small grains like sorghum and millet. The forecasted rains present a golden opportunity, but discipline in planting timing and plot management will determine success.”

He urged farmers to ensure their plots were ready for inspection and verification to qualify for input distribution under the Presidential Inputs Scheme. “Every farmer who has prepared their plots according to Pfumvudza guidelines is guaranteed inputs,” said Mr Craig. Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said commercial and smallholder farmers alike were buoyed by the positive forecast and strong policy support. “This is an exciting time for all farmers. The good rains, coupled with the Government’s continued support, will help rebuild our grain reserves and strengthen national food security. What is crucial now is to ensure that inputs reach farmers on time and that extension services remain active throughout the season,” he said.

He said the collaboration between government, agronomists and farmers was proof that Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector was steadily regaining its regional leadership status. With the combination of favourable weather, high farmer participation and strategic input distribution, Dr Makombe said Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is poised for another bumper harvest, consolidating gains made over the past few years and reinforcing national food self-sufficiency.