Zimbabwe Sets Tone for a Transformative 2025/2026 Summer Cropping Season

By Edward Makuzva

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector entered the 2025/2026 Summer Cropping Season with renewed energy, unity, and a sharpened strategic focus, as the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Peter Haritatos, delivered a powerful keynote address at the season launch held in Harare.

The event, convened by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) in partnership with the Financial Gazette, brought together a wide spectrum of national actors—policymakers, financial institutions, scientific experts, suppliers, and farmers under the fitting theme: “Zimbabwe Agriculture: One Vision, One Goal.”

Agriculture: The Bedrock of National ProsperityIn his address, Deputy Minister Haritatos underscored the pivotal role agriculture continues to play in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic fabric.

More than a sector, he said, agriculture remains the country’s primary engine for rural livelihoods, national food security, and economic resilience.“

It is the lifeline of our rural communities and the core of our vision for an empowered, prosperous Zimbabwe,” Dep Minister Haritatos noted.

Building on Firm Foundations

The Deputy Minister highlighted the sustained transformation underway in the sector—guided by President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and anchored in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Central to this growth path is the Agriculture and Food Systems.

Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS 2), a comprehensive roadmap designed to modernize Zimbabwe’s entire food system from production to consumption.

According to Dep Minister Haritatos, AFSRTS 2 is strategically crafted to:Strengthen value addition and agro-industrialisation,Modernise production systems,Expand climate resilience, andEnsure inclusive, broad-based growth.

“This season, we move with the clarity and urgency that AFSRTS 2 provides,” he emphasized

A Strategy in Motion: Key Priorities for 2025/26The Deputy Minister outlined the key pillars shaping this season’s agricultural rollout:

1. Climate-Responsive Production

Zimbabwe’s climate-smart agricultural model, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, remains central to building national resilience.

Over 350 irrigation schemes are also being rehabilitated and expanded as part of a long-term buffer against erratic weather.

2. Inputs and MechanisationInput support schemes, including seed, fertilisers, and chemicals, have been tightened for efficiency.

Mechanisation—especially for smallholder farmers is being scaled up through public-private partnerships to ensure increased productivity.

3. Value Chain Development

AFSRTS 2 places strong emphasis on linking farmers to viable markets. The launch program included discussions on financing models, market preparedness, and guaranteed offtake arrangements to ensure that farmers grow crops with profit not just production in mind.

4. Nutrition and Food Safety

The strategy integrates nutrition-sensitive agriculture through traditional grains, legumes, and horticulture, promoting a healthier nation while enhancing food sovereignty.

Financing the Agricultural TransformationHon Haritatos noted that sustainable financing remains the “fuel of transformation.”

In collaboration with Treasury, AFC Holdings, and private partners, government is scaling up:Blended finance models to lower lending risks,Value-chain financing led by agro-processors, andClimate insurance products tailored for farmers.

These interventions aim to ensure that farmers of all scales can access capital, adopt technology, and expand operations.

Delivering a Successful Season: A Clear and Practical FocusThe Deputy Minister laid out three non-negotiable priorities for the 2025/26 season:Timely planting supported by early distribution of quality inputs.

Climate-smart resilience, including drought-tolerant seeds and smart agronomic practices delivered through digitally enhanced extension services.

Mechanisation for all, with increased availability of tractors, combine harvesters, and tillage services.

The Power of Partnerships

The Dep Minister Haritatos applauded the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society for providing a platform that unifies the sector and the Financial Gazette for amplifying national agricultural conversations.

He also acknowledged agro-processors, bankers, insurers, and input suppliers for their indispensable roles in building strong value chains.

In the spirit of SDG 17, he called for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate agricultural transformation.

A Call to Collective ActionClosing his address, the Deputy Minister urged all stakeholders to embrace a spirit of unity, excellence, and resilience as the new season begins.

“Let us translate One Vision, One Goal into one successful, bountiful season,” he said. “God bless you. God bless the farmers of Zimbabwe. God bless our nation.”

The 2025/2026 Summer Cropping Season now marches forward with a unified national resolve driven by strategy, strengthened by partnerships, and inspired by the shared dream of agricultural prosperity.