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By Leona Lyne Chimushonga
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development and Member of Parliament for Zvishavane-Runde, Honourable Engineer Fred Moyo, has called on smallholder farmers to begin preparing for the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño farming season, urging them to embrace climate-smart agriculture, modern technologies and sustainable farming practices to safeguard food security and livelihoods.
Speaking at the Zvishavane District Agricultural Show, held on 31 July 2026 at Vugwi Communal Hall, Hon. Moyo said agricultural shows play a critical role in equipping farmers with the knowledge, technologies and partnerships needed to improve agricultural productivity despite changing climatic conditions.
He said the annual exhibition provides an important platform where farmers can interact with agricultural experts, financial institutions, input suppliers, development partners and potential markets while learning innovative farming methods.
"Agricultural shows are more than exhibitions. They are learning platforms where farmers gain knowledge on modern farming techniques, access new markets, engage financial institutions and connect with development partners who can help improve agricultural production," he said.
With climate experts warning of a likely El Niño phenomenon during the upcoming rainy season, Hon. Moyo stressed that farmers must shift towards climate-resilient farming systems.
He said practices such as soil conservation, water harvesting, crop diversification and effective livestock management are no longer optional but essential if communities are to withstand the effects of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
"As we gather during this show, we are reminded of the importance of preparing for the coming farming season, which is predicted to be an El Niño season. Sustainable agricultural practices such as soil conservation, water harvesting, crop diversification and effective livestock management are no longer optional. They are essential for securing our future."
The Deputy Minister encouraged farmers to maximise every drop of water through water harvesting techniques, adopt conservation agriculture and diversify into drought-tolerant crops suitable for their agro-ecological regions.
Hon. Moyo also challenged young Zimbabweans to embrace agriculture as a modern business driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
He said agriculture continues to offer opportunities for employment, wealth creation and national development if young people utilise digital technologies and innovative farming methods.
"I encourage our young people to see agriculture as a viable, rewarding career. Through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, agriculture can become a powerful driver of economic growth and sustainable livelihoods."
Hon. Moyo's remarks come as Government intensifies preparations for the possible return of El Niño conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka recently announced that Government has adopted a six-point preparedness strategy aimed at protecting national food security.
Speaking after a Cabinet briefing, Dr Masuka urged Zimbabweans to prepare early rather than wait for seasonal forecasts to worsen.
"We must prepare now for the worst and hope for the best," he said, noting that the final regional seasonal outlook would be issued after Southern African meteorological experts meet in August.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Professor Obert Jiri, has also repeatedly urged farmers not to panic but to prepare.
According to Prof. Jiri, early warning systems should always lead to early action.
He encouraged farmers to adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa, plant short-season and drought-tolerant crop varieties, preserve livestock feed through hay baling, invest in irrigation where possible and make use of agricultural insurance to cushion themselves against climate-related losses.
"Early warning should always lead to early action. Our responsibility is to ensure that, whatever the outcome of the season, Zimbabwe is fully prepared."
Speaking at the Zvishavane District Agricultural Show, held on 31 July 2026 at Vugwi Communal Hall, Hon. Moyo said agricultural shows play a critical role in equipping farmers with the knowledge, technologies and partnerships needed to improve agricultural productivity despite changing climatic conditions.
He said the annual exhibition provides an important platform where farmers can interact with agricultural experts, financial institutions, input suppliers, development partners and potential markets while learning innovative farming methods.
"Agricultural shows are more than exhibitions. They are learning platforms where farmers gain knowledge on modern farming techniques, access new markets, engage financial institutions and connect with development partners who can help improve agricultural production," he said.
With climate experts warning of a likely El Niño phenomenon during the upcoming rainy season, Hon. Moyo stressed that farmers must shift towards climate-resilient farming systems.
He said practices such as soil conservation, water harvesting, crop diversification and effective livestock management are no longer optional but essential if communities are to withstand the effects of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
"As we gather during this show, we are reminded of the importance of preparing for the coming farming season, which is predicted to be an El Niño season. Sustainable agricultural practices such as soil conservation, water harvesting, crop diversification and effective livestock management are no longer optional. They are essential for securing our future."
The Deputy Minister encouraged farmers to maximise every drop of water through water harvesting techniques, adopt conservation agriculture and diversify into drought-tolerant crops suitable for their agro-ecological regions.
Hon. Moyo also challenged young Zimbabweans to embrace agriculture as a modern business driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
He said agriculture continues to offer opportunities for employment, wealth creation and national development if young people utilise digital technologies and innovative farming methods.
"I encourage our young people to see agriculture as a viable, rewarding career. Through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, agriculture can become a powerful driver of economic growth and sustainable livelihoods."
Hon. Moyo's remarks come as Government intensifies preparations for the possible return of El Niño conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka recently announced that Government has adopted a six-point preparedness strategy aimed at protecting national food security.
Speaking after a Cabinet briefing, Dr Masuka urged Zimbabweans to prepare early rather than wait for seasonal forecasts to worsen.
"We must prepare now for the worst and hope for the best," he said, noting that the final regional seasonal outlook would be issued after Southern African meteorological experts meet in August.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Professor Obert Jiri, has also repeatedly urged farmers not to panic but to prepare.
According to Prof. Jiri, early warning systems should always lead to early action.
He encouraged farmers to adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa, plant short-season and drought-tolerant crop varieties, preserve livestock feed through hay baling, invest in irrigation where possible and make use of agricultural insurance to cushion themselves against climate-related losses.
"Early warning should always lead to early action. Our responsibility is to ensure that, whatever the outcome of the season, Zimbabwe is fully prepared."
Published
August 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
