Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in INSIZA
FARMERS are expected to produce 3,2 million tonnes of maize and other cereals, surpassing the national target by one million tonnes from the projected 2,6 million hectares under cultivation in the 2025/2026 summer cropping season.
Zimbabwe requires about 2,2 million tonnes of grain annually for national consumption.
Speaking during the national launch of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa and 2025/2026 Summer Inputs Distribution Programme held today at Mrs Litha Ngwenya-Dube’s homestead in Kombe village, Insiza district, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural
Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said Zimbabwe was gearing for a bumper harvest.
“This year, we plan to plant 2,6 million hectares of cereals to yield 3,2 million tonnes and generate a surplus of one million tonnes above our planning scenario national annual consumption of 2,2 million tonnes,” said Dr Masuka.
As at November 6, farmers had already prepared 14 033 766 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, a 72 percent increase from the 8 163 350 plots last season.
So far, 1 801 739 households, representing 60 percent of the target, have completed their plots covering 718 988 hectares.
“I urge the remaining farmers to complete their three plots in order to qualify for Intwasa inputs,” Dr Masuka said.
“But we do Intwasa not because we want inputs, but because it is the right model under the existential climate change threats.”
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, introduced in 2020, has transformed the country’s smallholder farming sector through climate-smart and conservation agriculture.
Since its inception, the number of participating farmers has risen from 212 671 in 2020 to 985 178 in 2025, while the area under Pfumvudza/Intwasa has expanded from 212 671 hectares to 1,25 million hectares.
Dr Masuka said the success of Pfumvudza/Intwasa had contributed significantly to agricultural growth, with the sector now valued at US$10,3 billion, up from US$5,6 billion in 2020 and projected to reach US$15,8 billion by 2030.
Under the 2025/2026 season plan, households will receive inputs for three plots, with seed varieties determined by agro-ecological region.
Village heads will receive support for five plots, headmen seven plots and chiefs ten plots, while the President has directed the construction of five-tonne silos at every chief’s homestead to strengthen local grain reserves.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the province was honoured to host this year’s national launch of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
The event, he said, symbolised Government’s commitment to supporting rural communities and ensuring that every household contributes to national food security.
“As Matabeleland South, we are proud to host this important national event,” he said.
“Our farmers have embraced Pfumvudza/Intwasa with enthusiasm, and we are confident that this season will yield even better results as we work together to achieve food security at household level.”
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model had proven to be a smart and sustainable agricultural system.
“Last year, we planted 1,6 million plots and this year we are expecting to surpass that figure. This is the smart way of agriculture, and we are confident that our farmers will deliver beyond expectations,” said Adv Mugadza.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira added that the province was ready for another record-breaking season.
“Our consumption is 196 000 tonnes, but last year we produced 390 000 tonnes. With the current seasonal forecast, we expect a bumper harvest,” said Minister Chadzamira.
Chief Jahana expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Government for empowering farmers.
“Through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, the Government has transformed rural livelihoods and strengthened food security,” he said.
