Zimbabwe exceeds maize planting target for 2025–2026 summer season

Zimbabwe has surpassed its maize planting target for the 2025–2026 summer agricultural season, reaching 105 per cent of the planned area. A total of 1,885,833 hectares have been planted, exceeding the initial target of 1.8 million hectares. This was reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to data from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), the total maize area this season is also higher than last year’s figure of 1,728,897 hectares. The experts noted crop conditions across the country are positive, with several provinces recording planting levels above their targets.

Commenting on the situation, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Obert Jiri stressed the outlook for both crops and livestock remains positive due to adequate rainfall across the country.

"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.

The source states that Mashonaland West province leads in terms of planted area, with 354,627 hectares sown, surpassing its target of 340,000 hectares. Manicaland also exceeded 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.

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