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Seed, fertiliser distribution begins
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Government has begun distributing seed and fertiliser to farmers ahead of the 2025/26 summer cropping season, setting an ambitious cereal production target of 3,2 million tonnes on the back of regional forecasts predicting normal to above-normal rainfall.
The target includes 2,52 million tonnes of maize and 687 000 tonnes of traditional grains, a figure projected to exceed the country's national food and feed requirements by 33 percent.
This comes after the 31st Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31), held in Lusaka, Zambia, projected that most SADC countries, including Zimbabwe, are likely to receive favourable rains between October 2025 and March 2026.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the summer programme was already underway, adding that this season was expected to perform better than last year. He said support would be provided through a range of schemes, from Pfumvudza/Intwasa, which is aimed at three million rural households, to financial assistance for larger producers through commercial banks, as well as private-sector contractor programmes and joint ventures run under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
He explained that inputs were already being moved to Grain Marketing Board depots, while fertiliser stocks from the winter season would provide an additional buffer for distribution. He also pointed to new statutory measures that will gradually restrict imports of grain and oilseeds, requiring processors to source 40 percent of their raw materials locally by April 2026, rising to full self-sufficiency by 2028.
"We need to see private players contributing to the local production," Prof Jiri said. "With preparations in full swing, we say ‘all systems are go' for the new season, which we expect to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports."
Farmers' organisations welcomed the preparations but urged authorities to prioritise timely distribution. Zimbabwe Farmers Union secretary-general Paul Zakariya said farmers were encouraged by the rainfall outlook but warned that any delays in the supply of inputs could undermine yields. Zimbabwe Integrated Commercial Farmers Union president Mayiwepi Jiti said the focus on small grains in dry regions was a practical strategy that would help producers adapt to climate change, though she stressed the need for consistency in pricing and marketing policies.
Meteorological Services Department director Rebecca Manzou cautioned that while the prospects for the season were positive, the onset of the rains could be delayed.
The target includes 2,52 million tonnes of maize and 687 000 tonnes of traditional grains, a figure projected to exceed the country's national food and feed requirements by 33 percent.
This comes after the 31st Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31), held in Lusaka, Zambia, projected that most SADC countries, including Zimbabwe, are likely to receive favourable rains between October 2025 and March 2026.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the summer programme was already underway, adding that this season was expected to perform better than last year. He said support would be provided through a range of schemes, from Pfumvudza/Intwasa, which is aimed at three million rural households, to financial assistance for larger producers through commercial banks, as well as private-sector contractor programmes and joint ventures run under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
He explained that inputs were already being moved to Grain Marketing Board depots, while fertiliser stocks from the winter season would provide an additional buffer for distribution. He also pointed to new statutory measures that will gradually restrict imports of grain and oilseeds, requiring processors to source 40 percent of their raw materials locally by April 2026, rising to full self-sufficiency by 2028.
"We need to see private players contributing to the local production," Prof Jiri said. "With preparations in full swing, we say ‘all systems are go' for the new season, which we expect to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports."
Farmers' organisations welcomed the preparations but urged authorities to prioritise timely distribution. Zimbabwe Farmers Union secretary-general Paul Zakariya said farmers were encouraged by the rainfall outlook but warned that any delays in the supply of inputs could undermine yields. Zimbabwe Integrated Commercial Farmers Union president Mayiwepi Jiti said the focus on small grains in dry regions was a practical strategy that would help producers adapt to climate change, though she stressed the need for consistency in pricing and marketing policies.
Meteorological Services Department director Rebecca Manzou cautioned that while the prospects for the season were positive, the onset of the rains could be delayed.
Source - The Herald
