CHINHOYI, Aug. 31 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwean farmers have been urged to conserve water, diversify crops and secure livestock feed early as they prepare for the 2026/27 agricultural season amid concerns over possible El Niño-induced dry conditions.
Agricultural experts say the prospect of erratic rainfall should prompt farmers to reduce risk through early land preparation, drought-tolerant crops, reliable water supplies and careful financial planning.
Agriculture is a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions and generating significant export earnings, particularly through tobacco. A poor rainfall season could therefore have implications for food security, household incomes and foreign currency earnings.
A farmer advisory issued ahead of the season said the possibility of El Niño should not discourage production but should change how farmers plan.
“El Niño does not mean people should stop farming and start praying for rain from January,” the advisory said. “It simply means we need to farm smarter and reduce our risk.”
Farmers were warned against committing all their resources to maize, which is particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry spells.
“Don’t put everything into maize. Mix things up with crops like sorghum, millet, cowpeas and other crops that can handle dry conditions better,” the advisory said.
Agronomists say small grains and legumes are generally better suited to drought-prone conditions and can provide alternative sources of food and income when rainfall is poor.
Tobacco farmers, particularly those under contract, have also been encouraged to climate-proof production through irrigation, early land preparation and efficient water management.
Water availability is expected to be one of the biggest factors determining production if rainfall becomes erratic.
“If you have a borehole, dam, tank or irrigation system, this is the time to make sure everything is working,” the advisory said. “Don’t wait until December to discover that the pump has joined the opposition.”
Farmers have also been urged to service tractors, irrigation equipment and other machinery before demand for mechanics and spare parts increases at the start of the season.
Experts cautioned against what the advisory described as “farming for Facebook” — planting large areas without the financial, water or management capacity to sustain them.
“Sometimes it is better to farm five hectares properly than struggle with 20 hectares just for Facebook pictures,” it said. “Farm what your money, water and management can handle.”
Farmers were also discouraged from planting according to fixed calendar dates and instead advised to closely monitor weather conditions.
“Do not just plant because the calendar says November. Watch the weather and plant when conditions are right,” the advisory said.
Livestock producers were urged to secure supplementary feed and water before grazing deteriorates and demand pushes up hay prices.
“Don’t wait until the grass is finished before looking for hay,” the advisory said.
Farmers were also cautioned against exhausting their budgets during planting, with experts recommending that they retain funds for irrigation, replanting, livestock feed and other emergencies.
“El Niño doesn’t automatically mean there will be no rain,” the advisory said. “We just need to prepare for the possibility of a difficult season. Prepare early. Protect your water. Diversify. And farm according to the conditions.”
The Meteorological Services Department is expected to release its seasonal forecast next month.
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