The government says it will launch a nationwide cloud seeding programme in November 2026 to cushion the agriculture sector against the anticipated El Niño-induced drought during the 2026/27 rainfall season.

The intervention forms part of a broader, intensified strategy to mitigate severe dry spells, safeguard domestic crop production, and reinforce national food security ahead of projected below-normal rainfall across the region.

Under the initiative, the Meteorological Services Department will target suitable cloud formations across all provinces to enhance rainfall yield, particularly in key agricultural belts.

Cabinet received an update on the status of the programme from the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, who outlined measures being put in place to enhance rainfall prospects across the country.

The intervention comes as global climate forecasts continue to warn of a severe El Niño that could result in below-normal rainfall, threatening food production, water availability and rural livelihoods.

To support the operation, government has designated three aircrafts that will be stationed in Harare, Bulawayo and Masvingo, providing coverage across all provinces.

The Harare-based aircraft will cover Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central, while the Bulawayo aircraft will serve Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. Operations from Masvingo will extend to Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.

Agriculture remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic sectors, contributing significantly to employment, food security and industrial raw materials.

As a result, efforts to improve rainfall distribution are viewed as critical to sustaining agricultural output and supporting economic stability.

Government is currently mobilising the financial and technical resources required for the implementation of the exercise, with authorities expressing confidence that the programme will complement other drought mitigation initiatives already underway.

The cloud seeding operation is expected to play an important role in enhancing water availability and supporting farming activities during a season likely to be characterised by heightened climatic uncertainty.