Harare, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Agriculture says it is fully prepared for the upcoming summer cropping season, with forecasts pointing to normal to above-normal rainfall that is expected to boost production across the country.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Prof Obert Jiri said the government has finalized input distribution mechanisms and will focus its support on three million rural households under the flagship Pfumvudza programme.
“This year, there won’t be support to peri-urban farmers. It is predominantly, strictly for the three million rural beneficiaries that we are targeting under Pfumvudza,” Jiri said. He outlined four major programmes that will anchor the season, the Pfumvudza household input scheme, the National Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NIAPS), private sector-led contracts through the Food Contractors Association (FCCA), and joint venture schemes.
In addition, self-financing farmers are expected to play a key role in contributing to national output. The Ministry has assured farmers that both seed and fertilizer stocks are secure, with grain already being delivered to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots and carryover fertilizer available from last season.
Jiri added that the government is engaging suppliers to avoid shortages and ensure timely distribution. As part of the climate-smart agricultural strategy, the Ministry has urged farmers in ecological regions four and five, and parts of region three, to prioritize traditional grains such as sorghum, millet, and rapoko, which are more drought-tolerant.
In the higher rainfall regions one and two, maize remains the dominant crop, though farmers are also encouraged to diversify into traditional grains. The distribution of inputs under Pfumvudza will continue to be overseen by ward committees comprising councilors, traditional leaders, agricultural extension officers, school headmasters, and other local stakeholders.
According to Jiri, this structure ensures transparency and fairness. Farmers who participated in last season’s programme and contributed a 10kg “thank you” package to President Emmerson Mnangagwa have been earmarked as priority beneficiaries this year, provided they also carried out conservation agriculture practices such as land preparation and mulching.
Beyond government-driven initiatives, private sector contractors under FCCA, financial institutions such as CBZ, AFC, and NMB, as well as joint ventures will continue to offer inputs and financing options. Input deliveries under the Joint Farmer Enterprises (JFE) programme have also commenced.
“All systems go as we wait for the season to start,” Jiri said, expressing optimism that the strong rainfall outlook combined with comprehensive planning will deliver a better season than last year.
New Ziana
