Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
AS preparations for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season intensify, smallholder farmers under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme have completed land preparations across most parts of the country, raising hopes for another productive season.
Over 9,2 million Pfumvudza plots have been prepared, surpassing the national target of nine million. Farmers have also begun receiving inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, with seed, fertiliser and chemicals already dispatched ahead of the rains.
Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model, the Government provides inputs and extension support to smallholder farmers practising conservation agriculture — a climate-smart approach that boosts yields even under erratic rainfall.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said preparations were at an advanced stage.
“We are supporting three million households, each with three plots. The extra 200 000 are voluntary adoption plots from farmers who expanded after realising the benefits,” she said.
Maize will dominate in wetter Regions I and II, while small grains such as sorghum and millet will be promoted in drier Regions IV and V to strengthen drought resilience.
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the Presidential Inputs Scheme was being complemented by several financing initiatives, including NEAPS, private sector contracting through the FCCA and ARDA joint ventures, which target 500 000 tonnes of summer grains.
The Meteorological Services Department has projected a neutral climate year, with normal to above-normal rains in the south and normal to below-normal rainfall in the north.
To reduce reliance on rainfall, the Government is also rolling out the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan, targeting 496 000 hectares of irrigated land by 2030.
With land prepared and inputs ready, authorities are confident of another food-secure season ahead.
