Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Herald Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 2025-26 summer cropping season are underway, with the Government set to expand irrigation and tailor crop production to agro-ecological zones as part of efforts to boost climate resilience at household and national level.
At least 15 000 hectares will be developed ahead of the season, bringing the total irrigated land to 232 000 hectares.
The target is to produce 500 000 tonnes of summer cereals from 100 000 hectares and 300 000 tonnes of winter cereals from 60 000 hectares.
The Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme will also stock three million fingerlings in 2 000 fish ponds countrywide, supported by five new fingerling centres at Henderson, Makoholi, Matopos, Bubi-Lupane and the Chipinge Coffee Research Institute.
To sustain production, 3 945 boreholes have been drilled to support Village, School, Youth and Vocational Training Centre Business Units. In addition, more than 15 000 tractors, 3 100 planters and 300 combine harvesters have been mobilised for land preparation, planting and harvesting.
Crops under the Input Support Scheme include maize, sorghum, pearl millet, sugar beans and other strategic staples.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) will provide inputs to farmers.
“Cabinet considered and approved the 2025/2026 season, the focus will be on increased agro-ecological tailoring of crops, and enhancing climate-proofing at the household level through Pfumvudza/Intwasa and, at the national level, through expansion of the area under irrigation,” Dr Muswere said.
“The crops targeted under the Input Support Scheme include maize, sorghum, pearl millet, soya beans, sunflower, African peas, ground nuts and sugar beans.
“In addition, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has been designated the “food, feed, seed and oils security agent for the nation”, with a target to produce 500 000 tonnes of summer cereals from 100 000 hectares and 300 000 tonnes of winter cereals from 60 000 hectares.
“The ARDA Scheme will provide seed, fertiliser and chemicals to farmers. Regarding oil self-sufficiency targets versus production, Cabinet advises that a total oil seed production of 75 688 megalitres is planned for the 2025/2026 summer season, against the country’s annual oil requirement of 180 000 megalitres.”
With regards to mechanisation, Dr Muswere said: “A total of 3 945 boreholes have been drilled to support Village Business Units, School Business Units, Youths Business Units and Vocational Training Centre Business Units.
“In order to build resilience for sustained crop production to meet national requirements, including the Strategic Grain Reserve, irrigation development will continue to be accelerated.
“A total of 15 000 hectares will be developed before the start of the 2025/2026 summer season, bringing the cumulative area available for irrigation to 232 000 hectares, of which 100 000 hectares will be available for summer irrigation. Regarding mechanisation, more than 15 576 tractors are ready for land preparation and tillage services.
“A total of 3 100 planters, 334 combine harvesters, 90 commercial dryers and 3 450 units are currently available for use.”
The National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), funded by AFC Holdings, CBZ and NMB Bank, is targeting production of 247 000 tonnes of traditional grains and sunflowers.
Separately, the private sector, under the Food Crop Contractors Association, plans to contract 27 000 hectares of maize, 17 000 hectares of soyabeans and 10 000 hectares of sorghum, with an expected output of 224,500 tonnes.
Cotton production will be financed through the Government-backed COTCCO Scheme and private sector support, while sesame will be promoted alongside cotton to boost farmer incomes and livelihoods.
Dr Muswere said the planning and marketing arrangements will be announced to give direction and policy.
“It is advised that the planning, pre-planting and marketing prices will be announced to give direction on policy intent on food security,” Dr Muswere added.
“The Grain Marketing Board will purchase all summer crops financed under the Presidential Input Programme and ARDA Scheme as well as by self-financed farmers and will be the buyer of last resort. All contractors will be obliged to buy back contracted grain at market prices. Farmers are encouraged to insure their crops and view insurance as an input in production.”
Online Reporter