Zimbabwe News Update
herald
11 min read
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior WriterTHE Government has assured the nation that preparations for the 2025/26 summer cropping season are at an advanced stage, with early input distribution already underway across the country as part of broader agricultural transformation efforts to ensure food security.Speaking toSunday Newsyesterday, the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said critical inputs were readily available and distribution was progressing smoothly.“The preparations for the summer season are now well advanced.
Seed for both maize and traditional grains is available and deliveries are being made to all areas as expeditiously as possible,” said Prof Jiri.He said fertilisers were being transported to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots nationwide, expressing confidence that the bulk of inputs would reach farmers before the onset of the rains, a development that sets a positive tone for the coming season.“Fertilisers are also being moved to the GMB depots across the country for onward distribution to the farmers. We anticipate that the bulk of inputs will be with the farmers ahead of the start of the rains,” he said.The Government’s assurance comes as farmers across Matabeleland North Province are already geared for the 2025–2026 summer cropping season.
According to agricultural officials, land preparation is progressing well, with many farmers taking advantage of early rains that have improved soil moisture.The enthusiasm has been fueled by the timely rollout of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme and Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which continue to anchor the country’s food security drive.Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Matabeleland North director, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, said most districts still had carryover inputs from the previous season.“In terms of quantities, all the districts have some inputs from the previous season in the form of fertiliser compound D and ammonium nitrate and also sunflower seed and pesticide the chemical that is used to control fall armyworm and a bit of combo acids,” said Mr Ndlovu.He noted that Nkayi District had already received 60 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser, with other consignments expected soon to cover the entire province.“However, we have been promised that we will receive these inputs before the onset of rains, especially in areas where transportation can be disturbed by rainfall, including Lusulu and Binga.
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