Agronomists Warn of Yield Losses in Zimbabwe as Persistent Downpours Threaten Harvest-Ready Crops

Agronomists in Zimbabwe warn of cob rot and grain sprouting as heavy rains lash Manicaland. Discover how excessive moisture is impacting the 2026 harvest.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:25 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bulawayo24.com

A Sudden Threat to Agricultural Prosperity

The prospect of a record-breaking agricultural season in Zimbabwe is facing a late-stage threat from persistent and excessive rainfall across the Manicaland Province. Agronomists have issued urgent warnings that harvest-ready crops, which had successfully survived an earlier mid-season dry spell, are now at high risk of terminal damage. The primary concern lies in the prolonged exposure to moisture, which creates an environment ripe for cob rot and the premature germination of grains still in the field. This meteorological shift has transformed a period of anticipated abundance into a race against time for farmers who were preparing to begin their primary collection activities in early April.

The Intensity of the Recent Meteorological Surge

Data from the Meteorological Services Department reveals that cumulative rainfall since October has reached extraordinary levels in several key farming districts. For instance, Mukandi in Mutasa has recorded a staggering 1,661.9mm, while other areas like Chidengu and Nyanga have surpassed the 1,100mm mark. Local meteorological officials indicate that this pattern is unlikely to break in the immediate future, with forecasts predicting continued heavy downpours through the end of March. This sustained high-moisture environment is particularly detrimental at this specific stage of the crop cycle, as it prevents the natural drying process required for safe harvesting and long-term storage.

Expert Assessment of Field Vulnerabilities

Nhamo Mudada, the provincial director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, has confirmed that field teams are currently assessing the impact on staple crops such as maize, sorghum, and various pulses. The technical danger is that excessive water saturation leads to physiological stress on the plants, causing grains like groundnuts and millets to sprout while still attached to the stalk. According to Mudada, these conditions not only reduce the overall volume of the harvest but also severely compromise the market grade and nutritional quality of the produce. The agricultural community remains on high alert as they monitor the deteriorating conditions of crops that were just days away from being secured.