Best Farming Practices (Step-by-Step)

  • Variety Selection & Land Prep: Use certified seeds suited to agro-ecological region (e.g., SC513, ZAP61). Deep plough and level land before planting.
  • Planting: Optimal window is November–December. Use 75 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants. Target ~55,000 plants/ha.
  • Fertilization: Apply Compound D (200–300 kg/ha) at planting and top-dress with Ammonium Nitrate (AN) at knee-height and tasseling stages.
  • Weed Control: Pre-emergent herbicides (e.g., atrazine) or early
  • Irrigation: Maize requires 500–800 mm rainfall; supplement

Pest and Disease Management

  • Early: Maize streak virus, Fall army worm.
  • Mid-late: Stalk borer, Grey leaf spot.

Provincial Differences

  • High rainfall areas (Mashonaland provinces): Early planting, long-maturing varieties.
  • Low rainfall areas (Matabeleland): Drought-tolerant short-season hybrids.

Markets and Profitability

  • Local market: GMB floor price ~$376/ton
  • Regional export potential: Zambia, Mozambique
  • Average yield: 3–5 tonnes/ha smallholder; 7–9 tonnes/ha commercial
  • Profit margin: Moderate to high depending on rainfall and input cost management

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