Govt assures farmers of fertiliser supply

Government says domestic production and secured imports will ensure timely fertiliser supply for Zimbabwe’s 2025–26 planting season (image source)

Government has moved to reassure farmers that fertiliser stocks will be sufficient for the 2025–26 summer cropping season, with officials citing strong domestic production and secured imports to support the Presidential Input Scheme as planting intensifies nationwide.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said a recent inspection of the Reignbold Fertiliser plant confirmed the facility is “fully operational and producing at scale.” Government briefings and industry sources indicate more than 25,000 tonnes of top-dressing have already been secured, alongside incoming ammonium nitrate shipments to reinforce supplies.

Supply strategies and capacity boost

The assurances come as both smallholder and commercial farmers begin planting on the back of early rains and firmer commodity prices. Reliable fertiliser access is central to national maize targets and food-security objectives, following last season’s shortfalls and emergency imports.

Reignbold officials told visiting authorities that compound D and top-dressing lines are running, with distribution systems activated to supply provincial depots and ward-level points. Government said allocations under the Presidential Input Scheme will be prioritised, while commercial suppliers and private distributors coordinate logistics to maintain speed and coverage.

Separately, the Mutapa Investment Fund has finalised a US$125 million Afreximbank facility to procure raw materials for fertiliser manufacturing, a finance injection expected to bolster domestic output heading into the critical November–December planting window.

Pricing and logistics concerns linger

Farmers’ unions cautiously welcomed the announcement but stressed the need for transparency in allocation, pricing, and delivery schedules. Smallholder groups warned that late inputs can miss planting windows and undermine yields, and urged the rollout of affordable credit options to accompany physical availability.

Commercial players said they are ready to use private transport fleets to reduce bottlenecks at provincial depots, but flagged potential delays if coordination falters.

Analysts point to three primary risks:

• Logistical delays slowing movement from factories to farming districts

• Foreign exchange constraints affecting additional imports

• Gaps between announced stock levels and actual depot deliveries

Import dependence still in transition

Zimbabwe has invested heavily in fertiliser imports in recent seasons while pushing to expand blending capacity, revive idle plants and secure regional supply arrangements. Subsidies under government schemes continue to target vulnerable households while maintaining commercial market channels.

Officials say close monitoring will determine whether the latest measures translate into uninterrupted supply throughout the main planting period.