Pests, leaching threaten crops

A POSSIBLE upsurge in pest infestation particularly in the southern parts of Zimbabwe is threatening an expected bumper harvest that was inspired by favourable rains during the 2025-26 agricultural season.

According to reports, farmers across Zimbabwe have exceeded the maize planting target for the summer agricultural season, reaching 105% of the planned area.

Farmers have planted 1 885 833 hectares of maize, above the initial target of 1,8 million hectares, according to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS).

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