MATABELELAND SOUTH province hosted the national Intwasa launch to signify the start of the farming season, with the region receiving a significant amount of rainfall.
In an interview with Southern Eye, Matabeleland South provincial agricultural rural development services director Shupikai Sibanda said: We have hosted the Intwasa National launch on November 7 in Insiza, Kombo village 2, ward 22 to signify the start of the season. Farmers across all districts are receiving inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme.”
Sibanda said Matobo district was leading, followed by Insiza.
"Our target is 178 125 beneficiaries. All the farmers are encouraged to measure rainfall amounts received. Anything more than 20mm is good enough to plant.
“This province is agro-ecologically matched with the planting of traditional grains like sorghum and pearl millet as the major crops,” she said.
Sibanda said the agricultural business advisory officers were on the ground, educating and advising farmers.
One of the farmers in ward 3, Masibambaneni village, Insiza under Chief Sibasa, Khumbulani Moyo, said they had started planting.
“Our crops are almost three weeks old now. We received farming inputs over the weekend, which included 2kg of maize seeds, 5kg of sorghum, 25kg of fertiliser and some chemicals for treating pests per household,” he said.
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Moyo said farmers were using the Intwasa farming methods because they lacked draught power.
“We are thankful, but also appeal to the government to increase the allocation. Farmers want to hire tractors, but they seem to be too expensive for many as they are charging US$100 per hectare,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department, together with the Department of Civil Protection, has issued a level 2 weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across much of Zimbabwe from Sunday 16 to 18 November 2025.
According to the statement, a thick cloud system moving in from Botswana and combining with moisture from the northeast is expected to bring more than 80mm of rain, along with strong winds, lightning and the risk of flash flooding.
Areas likely to be affected include Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo, southern Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, Harare and Mashonaland East.
The Met Department advised people in these regions to take precautions and stay updated on the evolving weather conditions.
“These conditions may lead to flash floods in flood-prone zones and river basins, slippery roads with reduced visibility requiring longer braking distances, as well as fallen trees and power lines.
“The public is, therefore, strongly advised to take precautionary measures as directed by the Civil Protection Unit.
“People living in flood-prone areas, river basins, and wetlands — especially in Masvingo, Manicaland, Harare, Bulawayo, Midlands and the Matabeleland provinces — have been urged to stay alert.”
