Zimbabwe has advised farmers to target December for the main planting window of the upcoming summer cropping season, provided effective rains establish adequate soil moisture amid forecasts of El Niño-induced lower rainfall.
Ministry issues phased planting guide to manage seasonal risks
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development unveiled a phased planting guide to help farmers manage the season without panic. Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri stated that seasonal forecasts predicting below-normal rainfall do not equate to a total absence of rain or outright crop failure.
“An outlook is not a declaration that crops will fail or that rain will be absent everywhere. It is a call to prepare early and manage risk rather than abandon planting,” Professor Jiri said. He urged farmers to base planting choices on local rainfall, soil moisture levels, and short-range weather forecasts rather than seasonal projections alone.
The official calendar recommends using October for land preparation and securing inputs, assessing conditions in November, and planting in December when conditions turn favorable. Farmers who experience delays into January are advised to switch to short-duration crop varieties to minimize failure risks, while late maize planting under rain-fed conditions is discouraged.
Specialists stress soil conservation for dry spells
Chief agricultural specialist Dr. Hillary Mugiyo emphasized that soil management remains critical for helping crops withstand prolonged dry spells. He urged agriculturalists to maintain contour ridges, practice Pfumvudza/Intwasa, retain soil cover, and rehabilitate degraded land.
“While we cannot control how much rain falls, we can directly influence how much of our soils retain,” Dr. Mugiyo said. Director of Soil Conservation Engineer Bezzel Chitsungo added that physical water-management structures must be paired with a disciplined calendar to protect investments in seed and fertilizer, warning growers against planting after isolated showers.
For drier southern and western regions, Professor Jiri recommended drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, and cowpeas. Growers choosing maize are advised to prioritize early-maturing varieties with realistic yield targets, while mulching, timely weed control, and staggered planting help spread production risks.
Provincial Preparations in Mashonaland West
Mashonaland West has accelerated preparations for the summer cropping, completing 101,000 hectares under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program against a provincial target of 171,000 hectares. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo launched the provincial drive at Muchiedza Primary School in Makonde District.
“We no longer import maize as we used to in the past when we ran out of grain and had to buy from neighbouring countries. We have said no to that,” Minister Chombo said, challenging farmers to maximize government support and contribute at least 10 kilograms of grain to the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services acting provincial director Evelyn Ndoro noted that farmers are utilizing recent rains to dig planting basins or rip fields using mechanized methods. Beneficiary Mrs. Beauty Zarima credited the government-distributed input packs—containing fertilizer, lime, pesticides, herbicides, and seed—with enabling her to prepare for the season.
Plant drought-tolerant crops in drier southern areas
What crops are recommended for drier areas in Zimbabwe?
Professor Jiri advised farmers in traditionally drier southern and western areas to plant drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, and cowpeas.
How many hectares have been prepared in Mashonaland West?
Farmers in Mashonaland West have prepared 101,000 hectares under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program toward a provincial target of 171,000 hectares.
What planting window is advised for the summer cropping season?
The government recommends December as the main planting window, provided effective rains have established adequate soil moisture following land preparation in October and assessment in November.