Staff Writer

Zimbabwe is set to receive normal to above normal rains for the second successive year running, latest SADC weather forecast shows.

According to the regional climate experts' virtual meeting from August 16 to 31, which set to generate and develop a consensus on the regional outlook for the 16 SADC member states, for the coming rainy season, Zimbabwe falls in a good zone.

“The northern half of Zimbabwe, DRC, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Malawi are likely to get good rains,” read part of the SADC weather forecast report.

The prospect of another good agriculture season comes as a huge boost to the recovering Zimbabwe economy following a record harvest of grain this year.

Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD) also confirmed that throughout the cropping season (from October 2021 to March 2022) the country would receive between normal and above normal rainfall patterns.

This year, Government has reduced the import bill on agricultural produce owing to a bumper harvest.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union said this weather forecast boosts farmers’ confidence to embark on farming as they would know exactly what to farm for greater output.

“As farmers prepare to till the land again, the weather outlook comes as a huge lift for farmers. While for consumers this will result in a fall in prices for some basic commodities like mealie-meal.”

Economic analysts also commented that as a result of a good harvest last season, consumer facing firms on the stock exchange also reported growth in volumes.

Simbisa Brands, Innscor, Tanganda, Hippo Valley, Triangle all registered significant growth.

While inflation headwinds continue to dissipate, the upcoming season is set to provide a solid base to sustain the economic recovery.