AS the clouds gather and the first rains begin to fall across Zimbabwe, the atmosphere in farming communities from Mashonaland to Matabeleland provinces is charged with anticipation.
The onset of the rainy season marks not only a critical agricultural window, but also a decisive period for ensuring food security, economic growth and rural livelihoods.
With climate change continuing to alter rainfall patterns, Zimbabwean farmers face growing pressure to make strategic crop choices that balance productivity, resilience and profitability.
This agricultural season arrives against a backdrop of both climatic and economic realities.
Weather experts forecast normal-to-above-normal rainfall across most provinces, a welcome development for dryland farmers.
Yet, the season’s success will depend on how effectively farmers, both smallholder and commercial, select the right crops and varieties suited to their regions and available resources.
Aligning agriculture with Vision 2030
Zimbabwe’s agricultural agenda cannot be viewed in isolation from Vision 2030, the national blueprint aimed at transforming the country to an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030.
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Agriculture remains a cornerstone of this vision, driving food security, export growth, employment creation and rural industrialisation.
Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), government policy prioritises increased productivity, sustainable natural resource management and inclusive participation in agricultural value chains.
The 2025/26 season, therefore, is more than a farming exercise.
It is a direct contribution to Vision 2030’s pillars of economic transformation, social empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Maize: The cornerstone of food security
Maize remains the heartbeat of Zimbabwean agriculture, occupying over 60% of the country’s arable land.
As the nation’s staple, its performance determines both household food availability and macroeconomic stability.
However, recent droughts have exposed the risks of relying heavily on a single crop.
Through Pfumvudza/Intwasa, government continues to promote climate-smart maize production emphasising early planting, soil conservation and drought-tolerant hybrids.
Farmers in high-rainfall regions such as Mashonaland East, Central and West should focus on medium- to late-maturing varieties like SC727 or P2859W for higher yields.
Meanwhile, farmers in semi-arid areas such as Masvingo and Matabeleland South are encouraged to plant early-maturing types like SC403 or ZAP61.
The adoption of organic manure, mulching and conservation tillage continues to improve yields, while input access through the Presidential Input Scheme and private seed houses such as Seed Co and Pannar enhances national production.
Traditional grains: The smart choice for dry regions
With the intensification of climate change, traditional grains — (sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet) have emerged as the face of resilience.
Once regarded as “poor man’s crops”, these grains are regaining prominence due to their adaptability, nutritional richness and role in climate adaptation.
In regions such as Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Masvingo, where rainfall is erratic, small grains provide dependable yields even under drought conditions.
Sorghum varieties such as SV4 and Macia and pearl millet types like PMV3 have demonstrated excellent performance under low moisture.
The government’s emphasis on small grains under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Inputs Programme is both a food security strategy and a climate mitigation measure.
Small grains also create opportunities for rural industries producing porridge mixes, mealie-meal and traditional beverages, adding value and employment in line with Vision 2030’s inclusive growth targets.
Groundnuts and sunflower: Nutritious and profitable
Groundnuts and sunflower continue to gain traction as dual-purpose crops that provide nutrition and income.
Groundnuts perform best in well-drained soils common in Mashonaland Central, East and parts of Midlands.
Varieties such as Nyanda, Valencia and Manipinta are highly-marketable and support agro-processing industries.
Sunflower, on the other hand, thrives across various agro-ecological zones and fits well in crop rotation systems that enhance soil health.
Rising demand for edible oils, animal feed and cosmetics has positioned sunflower as a strategic oilseed under NDS1’s industrialisation goals.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and private oil processors are expanding contract farming models, ensuring stable markets and fair pricing for farmers.
Soya beans: Fuelling the agro-industrial chain
Zimbabwe’s agro-industrial development depends heavily on soya beans for the production of cooking oil, stockfeed and industrial products.
Yet domestic output remains below national demand.
With favourable rainfall expected, farmers in Mashonaland provinces should take advantage of this season to expand soya bean acreage.
Recommended varieties such as Magoye and Solitaire deliver strong yields under good management.
Beyond profitability, soya beans improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, benefiting subsequent maize or wheat crops.
Government continues to promote import substitution of oilseeds, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of reducing the trade deficit and strengthening value chains.
Financial institutions such as CBZ Agro-Yield and AFC Land and Development Bank are providing input financing and guaranteed markets to boost production and incomes.
Horticulture and high-value crops: The growth frontier
The Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan positions horticulture as a strategic sector for export diversification and rural development.
With proper irrigation and water harvesting, smallholder farmers can profitably cultivate tomatoes, onions, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and export crops like avocados and blueberries.
Districts such as Mutoko, Nyanga and Mazowe have become horticultural hubs, supported by private investment and development partners.
Beyond employment creation, horticulture improves household nutrition and generates quick income, directly contributing to Vision 2030’s goal of inclusive prosperity.
Towards climate-smart and digital agriculture
This season’s success depends not only on crop choice but also on adopting modern, climate-smart techniques timely land preparation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management and organic fertilisation.
Farmers should rely on real-time weather advisories from the Meteorological Services Department to synchronise planting with rainfall patterns.
Digital agriculture platforms are increasingly vital, offering mobile-based access to market prices, weather updates and agronomic support.
Partnerships between Agritex, research institutions like CIMMYT, and private innovators continue to drive technology adoption, productivity and knowledge transfer.
Conclusion: Turning the promise of rain into prosperity
As Zimbabwe enters another rain-fed season, the call to farmers is clear: make informed, climate-smart decisions that strengthen both household livelihoods and national food sovereignty.
Whether it is maize in Mashonaland, small grains in Matabeleland or sunflower in Midlands, every region carries a strategic role in shaping the country’s agricultural renaissance.
The 2025/26 farming season is not merely about planting crops it is about planting the seeds of Vision 2030.
With collective effort, efficient resource use and commitment to sustainable farming, Zimbabwe can transform the promise of rain into the prosperity of harvest driving the nation closer to an upper-middle-income economy built on resilience, innovation and shared growth.
