VICE President Constantino Chiwenga has commended Zimbabwe’s progress in producing fertiliser locally, saying increased domestic manufacturing will improve access to agricultural inputs and strengthen the country’s food-production system.
Dr Chiwenga made the remarks yesterday after touring the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show with his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga. The Vice President visited displays covering fertiliser, seed production, livestock, mining, agricultural machinery and chemicals.
He said the expansion of local fertiliser manufacturing would help farmers and seed producers secure the inputs required to raise output, while reducing pressure across the agricultural value chain.
According to Dr Chiwenga, Government’s objective is to build a self-sufficient agricultural sector supported by reliable local production of key inputs. He added that the development of domestic fertiliser capacity remained central to efforts to increase crop production.
The Vice President’s comments follow an industrial tour conducted five months ago, during which he visited several companies, including fertiliser manufacturers, to assess progress in expanding production ahead of the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
Dr Chiwenga also welcomed the introduction of new wheat and maize seed varieties, particularly short-season varieties that could assist farmers in responding to changing weather conditions. He said such varieties would be important as the country prepares for a season expected to be influenced by Super El Niño conditions.
At the livestock section, the Vice President praised improvements in breeding, animal husbandry and related technologies. He said the progress recorded by both rural and commercial farmers needed to be sustained to support the growth of the national herd.
He further highlighted locally developed farming equipment, including mobile deep tanks, describing the innovations as useful tools for improving livestock management in rural areas.
This year’s agricultural showcase featured 640 fully occupied exhibition stands, alongside increased participation by foreign exhibitors. Dr Chiwenga said the quality of the displays had improved significantly compared with last year, reflecting rising innovation and investment across Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, which concludes today, brought together local and international exhibitors to present new technologies, investment opportunities and developments across the agricultural value chain.
