By Violet Mashonga
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) has launched its national summer plan for the 2024–25 farming season, signaling a renewed push for productivity and food security across Zimbabwe.
The plan, which has received cabinet approval, is now being cascaded to provincial levels, engaging farmers, private sector players, and financial institutions in a collaborative effort to drive agricultural growth.
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri underscored government readiness and urged farmers to prepare strategically based on their agro-ecological regions.
“This season, we are fully geared for improved productivity. Innovation is no longer optional — it is mandatory for Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth,” he said.
Professor Jiri advised farmers in Regions 1 and 2 to focus on maize and small grains, while those in drought-prone Regions 3, 4, and 5 were encouraged to plant resilient crops such as sorghum (mapfunde), pearl millet (mhunga), and finger millet (rukweza).
He stressed the importance of the 4R approach to fertilizer use — right source, right rate, right time, and right place — and called for timely application and effective pest control to close the gap between potential and actual yields.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa program remains central to the summer plan, targeting over 3 million rural households.
The initiative brings together farmers, contractors, government entities such as ARDA and NIAPS, and private financial players including CBZ, NMB, and AFC.
Mashonaland West province held its dissemination meeting on September 17, with ARDAS Acting Director Evelyn Ndoro reaffirming the province’s alignment with national goals. Stakeholders expressed optimism for a better season compared to last year.
ARDA, identified as the country’s food, feed, seed, and oil security agent, plays a pivotal role in implementing the summer plan. With over 3,000 joint ventures (JVs) in place, Professor Jiri encouraged further partnerships between government, private companies, financiers, and farmers.
“Joint ventures amplify our impact,” he noted, highlighting production targets of 100,000 hectares for summer cereals and 60,000 hectares for winter wheat.
With inputs being made accessible and stakeholder coordination intensifying, the Ministry hopes to capitalize on early rains and strategic planning to increase yields and ensure national food security.
The summer plan reflects a broad-based effort — bringing together government institutions, financial sectors, and communities — to transform Zimbabwe’s agriculture through targeted action, innovation, and inclusive participation.
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