Source: Government starts winter wheat inputs distribution under the Presidential Input Programme – herald
Precious Manomano
Online Reporter
Government has started distributing winter wheat inputs under the Presidential Input Programme (PIP), with authorities saying preparations for the 2026 winter cropping season have been completed and all key production enablers are now in place.
The commencement of input distribution comes as Government intensifies efforts to ensure farmers plant on time and meet this year’s winter wheat production targets.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said farmers under the Presidential Input Programme had already started accessing inputs from Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots across the country.
“All inputs are in place. The planting season has started,” said Prof Jiri.
He said early procurement under the Presidential Input Programme had enabled the timely movement of inputs to distribution centres before the official planting window opened.
“Early procurement for the Presidential Input Support Programme was done and inputs for PIP are already at GMB depots and distribution has started. Most contractors have procured their wheat inputs and distribution is done as soon as farmers sign their contracts,” he said.
Government completed the procurement of both basal and top-dressing fertilisers during the first quarter of 2026, ensuring adequate stocks were available in the country ahead of planting.
Unlike previous seasons, where delays in procurement and logistics affected preparations, authorities moved early this year to avoid disruptions to production.
“This year, we moved early on procurement and logistics to ensure farmers have access to inputs before the planting window opens. We do not want delays to affect productivity,” said Prof Jiri.
Inputs under the Presidential Wheat Support Scheme have been decentralised from central warehouses to GMB provincial and district depots to improve accessibility and reduce transport costs for farmers.
This decentralisation is expected to ease the burden on farmers, particularly those in remote areas, by bringing inputs closer to production zones.
For the 460 irrigation schemes managed by the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), inputs are being supplied directly as complete packages to business units, bypassing traditional retail channels and minimising bureaucratic delays.
Government has also engaged private contractors and joint venture partners to manage their own supply chains, easing pressure on State logistics systems.
To cushion farmers from rising production costs, authorities are implementing a mix of direct support schemes, contract farming arrangements and market interventions.
Farmers contracted under ARDA, banks including AFC, CBZ and NMB, as well as the Food Crop Contractors Association, are receiving seed, fertiliser and other critical inputs upfront, with costs to be recovered after grain deliveries.
Smallholder farmers are also set to benefit from the Presidential Winter Wheat Programme, which targets vulnerable producers with free inputs.
Cabinet has approved the 2026 Winter Production Plan, which includes monitoring of 21 critical production enablers such as electricity, fuel and financing to ensure uninterrupted farming operations.
Zimbabwe is targeting 125 000 hectares under winter wheat this year, supported by 256 958 hectares of functional irrigated land available for winter production.
Water availability remains favourable, with major dams supporting 67 percent of wheat-growing areas, averaging 93.4 percent capacity as of April 27, 2026.
Strategic dams, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Lake Mutirikwi, Sebakwe, Siya, Zhovhe and Seke, are reported to be at full capacity, boosting prospects for a successful season.
Although some areas in Mashonaland Central, particularly around Mazowe Dam, have relatively lower water levels that may affect hectarage, authorities expect this to be offset by increased planting in other provinces.
Government has also ring-fenced 150 megawatts of electricity specifically for winter wheat production to guarantee uninterrupted irrigation during the season.
“We have secured the critical enablers for winter production, including electricity, fuel and financing, to support farmers throughout the season and maximise yields,” said Prof Jiri.
A joint monitoring mechanism involving the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Ministry of Energy and Power Development has been established to oversee power supply during the production period.
ZESA is prioritising electricity supply to wheat production clusters, while farmers have been encouraged to register their meter numbers with both the ministry and the power utility to shield irrigation equipment from general load-shedding.
Fuel supplies are also being monitored weekly by Cabinet and the Ministry of Agriculture to prevent shortages and logistical bottlenecks.
With inputs now being distributed under PIP, irrigation infrastructure in place and electricity secured, Government is optimistic of meeting winter wheat targets as Zimbabwe works to sustain national wheat self-sufficiency and strengthen food security.
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