Zim on track for bumper 2025/26 agricultural season
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
Zimbabwe is on course for a potentially record-breaking harvest in the 2025/2026 agricultural season, buoyed by strong crop conditions across the country and supportive government policy interventions.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos and Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri were in Kadoma on January 23 to officially launch the first round of the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA 1).
“Our officers are now in the field using iPads and satellite technology to confirm exactly how many hectares were planted this summer, with the official national results expected by early February,” Haritatos said.
“Looking at the vibrant and healthy crops across the country, it’s clear that our farmers have done an incredible job.”
The optimism is underpinned by government policy support, including the suspension of import duties on nitrogen fertilisers until 2026, a move aimed at lowering production costs and sustaining productivity gains.
The policy shift has ensured that cheaper Ammonium Nitrate and Urea are flowing into the country and are now readily available on the shelves of local suppliers.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Medlinah Magwenzi described the current crop as the best Zimbabwe has seen in many years.
“We would like to thank the Almighty for the good season which is better than previous seasons. Even if you compare the crop itself over the last five years, you realise that this is a way better crop. The rains are doing so well despite starting a bit late,” Magwenzi said.
“We normally have dry spells in January and we have been assured by the weather experts that this year the country won’t experience that season.
“To that we are actually saying the crop is looking very good out there. And because the farmers noted that the season was good,” she said.
While the abundant rainfall has been welcomed, the ministry has issued a critical advisory to protect crops from water-logging, which can lead to root suffocation and yield losses.
Farmers have been urged to ensure proper drainage and free water flow in their fields to preserve the season’s gains.
To prevent fertiliser losses caused by heavy rains, authorities have also prioritised the split application of top-dressing fertilisers.
Magwenzi said farmers should apply fertiliser only after excess water has drained and sunshine resumes.
“You don’t just put the whole consignment or the whole requirement for a particular crop at once. We want that to be divided. And we call that split application. Have it twice or even thrice,” she said.
“Make sure that you maximise the absorption of the nutrients by the plant before it’s washed away, before it’s leached downwards, further away from the roots. So we’re saying make sure that that is done.”
She added that farmers should closely monitor ammonium requirements due to the heavy rains.
“Again, watch ammonium requirement now because of these rains. By so doing, we are saying we’ve got experts on the ground. Supervisors are there. District has got specialists and heads there up to the province,” Magwenzi said.
With Agritex officers stationed in every district to provide immediate agronomic support, authorities say Zimbabwe is firmly on course for a strong harvest.
Final production figures are expected during CLAFA 2 in April, which could mark a crowning achievement for a season that has successfully blended farmer resilience, favourable weather and modern technology.
