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Zimbabwe braces for delayed and erratic rainfall season
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Zimbabwe must prepare for a delayed and erratic start to the 2025/26 rainfall season, with significant improvements expected from December onwards, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced yesterday.
Briefing journalists after Cabinet's weekly sitting in Harare, Dr Muswere said the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, had projected rainfall patterns similar to those experienced in the 2024/25 season.
"The 2025-2026 rainfall season will be largely similar to the 2024-2025 season," said Dr Muswere. "A delayed, erratic start with initial dry conditions in October and November is expected, particularly in northern provinces, while the southern and western regions may receive normal to above-normal rains early on. However, prospects for improvement will be realised nationally from December onwards, though the northern areas may dry out again later in the season."
He warned that this variability requires proactive risk management, including delayed planting by dryland farmers, stronger water conservation measures, and readiness to cope with both dry spells and extreme weather events such as floods.
The MSD will continue to monitor climate indicators and update forecasts on a monthly basis, in addition to providing daily weather reports and 10-day bulletins.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also reviewed the 2024/25 summer crops marketing update and the 2025 winter crops production plan. Current Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stocks stand at 135,896 tonnes, comprising 70,666 tonnes of wheat, with the remainder made up of maize, traditional grains, and genetically modified maize imports.
As of September 2, the GMB had recorded 8.3 percent of its intake target, down from 12.7 percent during the same period last year. Total marketed grain stands at 840,562 tonnes.
On cash crops, 354.8 million kg of tobacco have been sold to date, a significant jump from 231.8 million kg recorded in the same period last year. Cotton sales have also more than doubled to 28.2 million kg, compared to 13.5 million kg previously.
For wheat, 122,566 hectares were planted this year against a target of 120,000 hectares. Government said sufficient manpower, vehicles, sprayers, and chemicals are in place to combat quelea bird outbreaks, with localised district response teams already activated.
Briefing journalists after Cabinet's weekly sitting in Harare, Dr Muswere said the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, had projected rainfall patterns similar to those experienced in the 2024/25 season.
"The 2025-2026 rainfall season will be largely similar to the 2024-2025 season," said Dr Muswere. "A delayed, erratic start with initial dry conditions in October and November is expected, particularly in northern provinces, while the southern and western regions may receive normal to above-normal rains early on. However, prospects for improvement will be realised nationally from December onwards, though the northern areas may dry out again later in the season."
He warned that this variability requires proactive risk management, including delayed planting by dryland farmers, stronger water conservation measures, and readiness to cope with both dry spells and extreme weather events such as floods.
The MSD will continue to monitor climate indicators and update forecasts on a monthly basis, in addition to providing daily weather reports and 10-day bulletins.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also reviewed the 2024/25 summer crops marketing update and the 2025 winter crops production plan. Current Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stocks stand at 135,896 tonnes, comprising 70,666 tonnes of wheat, with the remainder made up of maize, traditional grains, and genetically modified maize imports.
As of September 2, the GMB had recorded 8.3 percent of its intake target, down from 12.7 percent during the same period last year. Total marketed grain stands at 840,562 tonnes.
On cash crops, 354.8 million kg of tobacco have been sold to date, a significant jump from 231.8 million kg recorded in the same period last year. Cotton sales have also more than doubled to 28.2 million kg, compared to 13.5 million kg previously.
For wheat, 122,566 hectares were planted this year against a target of 120,000 hectares. Government said sufficient manpower, vehicles, sprayers, and chemicals are in place to combat quelea bird outbreaks, with localised district response teams already activated.
Source - The Herald
