Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The Government has introduced 21 strategic enablers to ensure a productive 2025/26 summer cropping season.
These initiatives are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, providing farmers with the necessary tools and support to thrive.
With increased funding and enhanced support systems, the Government is committed to achieving a prosperous season for farmers across the nation.
Funding for this season has been set at ZWG 73 million and US$258,7 million, a notable increase from the previously reported US$242,6 million.
This financial support signals the Government’s dedication to strengthening the agricultural sector, with an emphasis on successful outcomes.
In the latest report, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi, said the national irrigation area has now reached 233 008 hectares, with 120 000 hectares available specifically for cropping.
“This season, we have allocated 80 000 hectares for maize, 20 000 hectares for tobacco, 10 000 hectares for soybean, and 1 000 hectares for potatoes. Our efforts in irrigation will significantly enhance crop yields,” she said.
In the horticultural sector, perennial crops have expanded to cover 86,000 hectares, including key crops such as sugarcane (73,868 ha), coffee (715 ha), and avocados (2,745 ha). Additionally, 23 000 hectares are dedicated to annual crops under irrigation, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the country’s agricultural landscape.
Recent reports also indicate a significant rise in national dam levels, increasing from 73,6 percent to 82,7 percent, representing a substantial improvement in water security and setting a solid foundation for our summer crop prospects.
Mechanisation remains a cornerstone of the Government’s strategy, with 16 425 functional tractors deployed for the current season.
“The ministry is focused on scaling context-appropriate technologies across the sector to strengthen service provision models and ensure the reliability of agricultural equipment,” she said.
In line with this approach, service charges have been reduced by 6 percent to alleviate the financial strain on farmers.
She said that as for seed supply, there are reported surpluses in maize, sunflower, cotton and tobacco, while deficits exist in groundnuts, soybeans, and small grains, necessitating imports.
“We recognise that timely farmer payments are critical to motivate production and deliver crops to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for our Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR),” she said, highlighting the importance of economic stability in the sector.
She said the seasonal fertiliser requirement stands at 780 000 tonnes for both basal and top-dressing applications.
Distribution is progressing smoothly, with basal fertilisers readily available across the country.
“The recently released Statutory Instrument 214 of 2025 on duty-free importation of top-dressing fertilisers will further facilitate our efforts to ensure adequate supplies throughout the season,” she added.
