Zimbabwe Surpasses Maize Planting Target for 2025-2026 Season

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has exceeded its maize planting target for the 2025–2026 summer agricultural season, reaching 105 per cent of the planned area, according to data reported by The Herald. The country has planted a total of 1,885,833 hectares of maize, above the initial target of 1.8 million hectares, reflecting a strong start to the season for the staple grain. Figures from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) show that the total maize area planted this season is also higher than last year’s 1,728,897 hectares. The increase points to improved farmer participation and confidence at the start of the cropping season, supported by favourable rainfall patterns across most producing regions. Crop conditions are reported to be generally positive nationwide, with several provinces surpassing their planned planting targets. Adequate and well-distributed rains have allowed farmers to complete planting on time, a critical factor for maize yields in Zimbabwe’s largely rain-fed production system. Commenting on the outlook, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Obert Jiri said prospects for both crops and livestock remain encouraging. “We are receiving good rains that are improving our crops. Moreover, livestock body condition is improving across the country as animals continue to have access to lush rain-fed grazing, but monocalcium supplements are to be practised,” he stated. Provincial data highlight strong performance in key maize-growing areas. Mashonaland West leads in terms of planted area, with 354,627 hectares sown, exceeding its target of 340,000 hectares. Manicaland also surpassed expectations, planting 274,905 hectares against a target of 265,000 hectares. In Mashonaland East, maize planting reached 249,490 hectares, representing 111 per cent of the planned figure. These provinces are among the country’s main surplus-producing zones and play a central role in national maize supply. Maize remains Zimbabwe’s most important food crop, underpinning food security, livestock feed supply, and the grain milling industry. Higher planted area, if matched by stable weather and access to inputs, could support improved domestic availability and reduce reliance on imports later in the marketing year. In recent seasons, Zimbabwe has faced periodic maize deficits driven by drought, high input costs, and foreign currency constraints affecting fertiliser and seed availability. The current season’s progress comes amid broader government efforts to stabilise grain production through input support programmes and extension services.