Harare, (New Ziana) – Rising fuel prices and escalating costs of agricultural inputs are threatening the ability of farmers in Zimbabwean to return to the fields to prepare for the winter wheat season, a representative body has said.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) said the current producer price structure is no longer aligned with the realities on the ground, leaving farmers exposed to significant financial strain.
The warning follows recent fuel price adjustments by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, which have seen diesel costs climb sharply over a short period.
Diesel, a critical input for land preparation and irrigation, has risen from around US$1.52 per litre during the last farming season to above US$2.00 per litre, a jump that farmers say is not sustainable.
“The prevailing pricing framework does not adequately reflect the volatility in production costs,” the ZFU said, highlighting a widening gap between fixed producer prices and the rising cost of essential inputs such as fuel and fertilizers.
The ZFU warned that the imbalance is eroding profitability in wheat farming, with many producers now questioning the viability of continuing with the crop under current conditions.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to justify wheat production as projections show reduced returns after harvest,” it said.
“The key concern now is identifying measures that can shield vulnerable farmers while improving productivity and ensuring stable incomes,” it added.
The ZFU said mechanization costs, heavily dependent on diesel, are emerging as a major obstacle, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely on hired equipment.
“With fuel prices at current levels, the cost of operating tractors and irrigation systems has escalated beyond the reach of many producers,” it said.
It said the development has already begun to affect preparations for the winter cropping season, with reports of delayed land tillage in several provinces.
The ZFU cautioned that if the situation persists, Zimbabwe could struggle to meet its targeted 120 000 hectares under wheat.
“Mechanization and irrigation form the backbone of winter wheat production, yet they are increasingly becoming inaccessible to the average farmer. This is slowing down land preparation and may ultimately compromise national output,” it said.
As the planting window approaches, the ZFU urged policymakers to review pricing models and introduce support mechanisms to cushion farmers against rising input costs.
New Ziana
