Zimbabwe’s first rains of the 2025/26 season have brought relief and urgency to farmers as preparations for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme gather pace nationwide.
The rains, locally called Gukurahundi or Bumarutsva, mark the beginning of serious land preparation, with communities across the country already busy setting up their plots.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the early showers had made a timely impact on farming activities.
“These showers came just at the right time, and farmers are now moving faster to make sure their fields are ready,” he said.
Nearly five million plots have so far been established, with expectations for even more as the season progresses.
The government is aiming higher than last year’s figure of 11.9 million plots, with households encouraged to establish at least three plots each.
Jiri said surpassing 15 million would significantly strengthen household food security.
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“This will not only boost food security but also help families cope better with the challenges of climate change,” he said.
Agritex officers have stepped up campaigns in rural communities, urging farmers to follow proper procedures when preparing their plots.
“To all farmers who are busy doing their plots, do it properly, do the required depth, put enough fertiliser and mulching to conserve moisture,” he said.
Another officer highlighted the importance of soil health and early readiness.
“We have moved in on time, let us do precision, make sure we balance our soil texture that is six to seven pH, put our manure, and once the good rains come, farmers will harvest,” the officer said.
Over three million households are expected to benefit under the Presidential Free Inputs Scheme this season.
The Minister said that Pfumvudza/Intwasa model, which promotes climate-proof agriculture, is now firmly embedded in rural farming culture and remains key to Zimbabwe’s ambition of regaining its position as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
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