By Tendai Munengwa
THE government has launched the 2025/26 Summer Cropping Season Plan, targeting the planting of 1.8 million hectares of maize under the Presidential Inputs Scheme and other support programmes.
Seed houses and fertiliser companies are already gearing up to supply inputs to more than three million farmers across the country. Valley Seed, the main supplier for the Presidential Inputs Scheme, says preparations are well underway.
“We have received seed from our contracted farmers, and we are now processing, although on a low note. We are happy that relevant authorities are working around the clock to support us with logistics,” said Mr Alois Chareka, Valley Seed Managing Director.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, confirmed that inputs for all agricultural schemes are now available.
“Our 2025/26 summer cropping season plan has been approved by Cabinet. For the Presidential and Pfumvudza schemes, those who availed the 10kg maize token to the President will be prioritised. We are targeting three million rural families under Pfumvudza. Fertiliser, seed and chemicals are available, and farmers should access them through the usual channels,” he said.
Beyond maize, government is also targeting 516 000 hectares of sorghum and 280 000 hectares of traditional grains this season. With weather experts forecasting rainfall patterns similar to last year, prospects for achieving food self-sufficiency remain strong.
