Zimbabwe has not given up hope on a normal to above-normal rainfall season despite low rainfall activity since the start of the 2022/2023 rainfall season, a Cabinet minister has said.

Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said most areas have received the rainfall that is expected during this time of the year. She said:

Cabinet advises the nation that the country continues to be in the normal to above-normal rainfall category, despite the reduced rainfall activity experienced during the past week.

Most areas across the country have received rainfall which is expected at this time of the year.

Mutsvangwa also said rural farmers are being registered and trained for the Pfumvudza programme, with the distribution of farming inputs ongoing. Mutsvangwa said:

Inputs distribution, registration and training on Pfumvudza/Intwasa are in progress, with distribution continuing to be done according to agro-ecological zone requirements.

A total of 2 888 163 Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmers have been trained to date compared to 2 294 471 at the same time of the previous season.

Similarly, 5 121 509 plots have been prepared compared to 2 859 714 plots at the same time of the previous season.

Cabinet highlights that 86% (68 106 metric tonnes) of the received basal fertilizer has been distributed across the provinces, while 78% (21 084 metric tonnes) of top dressing fertiliser has been distributed.

Out of the 15 500 metric tonnes of the ordered maize seed, 13 189 metric tonnes has been received. Planting has commenced in many areas.