Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE 2025/2026 summer agricultural season is now underway, with farmers in Manicaland making significant strides in preparation for the planting season.
As of last week, about 1 600 000 Pfumvudza plots – spanning 84 000 hectares – had been prepared, already surpassing the target of 1,4 million plots ahead of the distribution of key production inputs under the Government-backed scheme.
In Manicaland Province, 452 000 farmers are set to benefit from the programme this year.
The Government has allocated about 24 000 metric tonnes of Compound D and top dressing fertilisers to the province for the current season, with a sizeable quantity of seed maize, traditional grains, chemicals and combo packs of vegetable seed in Manicaland.
Agronomists are optimistic that the early onset of rains will boost crop yields and contribute to the country’s food security goals, while the timeous distribution of inputs is part of the Government efforts to support small-scale farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.
Farmers have been urged to adhere to the principles of Pfumvudza in order to reap high yields and surpass last year’s yield of 490 000 tonnes of grain.
Pfumvudza, which uses conservation agriculture principles, reduces nitrogen loss in the soil, promotes water and soil conservation and improves efficiency of applied nutrients. It is a concept that enhances farmers’ harvests, especially in times when there is inadequate rainfall.
The digging of the planting basins, mulching and clearing of weeds are part of the process, and every part of the process is as important as the next one – meaning that if a farmer cuts corners on just one of them, there will be a possibility of failure – the concept only works wonders when all steps are followed religiously.
Pfumvudza is also part of the precision agriculture model which Government is promoting – meaning that the planting basins must be dug on time, fertiliser and other chemicals must be applied on time, the mulching must be done on time and must cover all the areas.
Speaking at the provincial launch last Friday, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said over 452 000 households will receive Government-supported inputs to plant 84 000 hectares.
“Manicaland’s achievements under the 2024/25 Pfumvudza last season have been phenomenal. Of the targeted 1 353 576 plots, 1 611 141 plots were planted across the province – a 112 percent increase. These results, though achieved under difficult climatic conditions, show that the Pfumvudza model remains effective in cushioning farmers against drought and ensuring that no household goes hungry.
“For the current 2025/2026 agricultural season, Manicaland has set even more ambitious goals, guided by the positive momentum of previous years and improved rainfall forecasts. Targeted plots stand at 1 365 576 plots covering 84 613 hectares for maize only and for 451 992 households. The projected cereal yield across maize, sorghum and millet is 140 000 metric tonnes.
“As of early November 2025, more than 1 600 000 plots had been prepared across the province for all crops, and the pace is expected to accelerate with ongoing farmers’ training and mobilisation. Maize and other crops planting for this season has started across the province. These commendable efforts position Manicaland to make a significant contribution to the national target of 3.2 million tonnes of cereals for the 2025/2026 season. This year’s Pfumvudza inputs will support three plots per household, tailored to the agro-ecological zone, while village heads will have five plots, headmen seven plots and chiefs 10 plots. Each input package includes seed, fertilisers, lime and chemicals appropriate for each zone.
In addition, the Presidential initiative to construct five-tonne silos at chiefs’ homesteads is underway, to build local strategic grain reserves that strengthen food preparedness at community level,” said Minister Mugadza.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDS) provincial director, Mr Nhamo Mudada said that farmers are raring to go, and already 1,6 million plots have been prepared, surpassing the target of 1,4 million.
He said this will lead to increased harvests.
“Since the onset of the rainy season, planting of maize and other crops is now in full swing. Our Pfumvudza target is 1,4 million plots, but we have since surpassed that as we have 1,6 million plots and more are being prepared. Pfumvudza has been fully embraced by the farmers. Farmers who have adopted this model always reap a good harvest. We are targeting 265 000 hectares of maize this year to achieve more than 400 000 metric tonnes of grain. In addition to maize, farmers are also receiving support on small grains inputs,” said Mr Mudada.
Chigodora farmer, Mr Noah Manzini, who has prepared three plots, has hailed the Government for the free inputs and credited the increased yield being achieved by smallholder farmers in the area to the Pfumvudza model.
“We are grateful to the Government for availing us these agricultural inputs for free, as most of us cannot afford to buy on the open market. Since Pfumvudza was introduced, our yield here has changed. We would also like to appreciate our Member of National Assembly, Honourable Tawanda Dumbarimwe for delivering the inputs for free close to our homes,” said the 80-year-old farmer.
Mr Mudada said they have scaled up the distribution of inputs in all the seven districts of Manicaland.
He warned farmers against complacency amid prospects of normal to above-normal rains.
Regional weather and climate experts have forecast that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall between mid-November and March 2026.
