Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
FARMERS across the country have raised concerns over the shortage of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, a key input for maize production, as recent heavy rainfall continues.
Ammonium nitrate is a high-quality fertiliser designed to provide essential nutrients to crops, promoting healthy growth and development.
In areas with excessive rainfall, ammonium nitrate (AN) or calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilisers are a better choice for top-dressing.
A snap survey conducted by this publication revealed that most agro-dealers and shops did not have ammonium nitrate fertiliser, with some promising to have it by the end of this week (Friday, 23 January 2026).
In an interview, Ntabazinduna farmer Ms Sheila Moyo expressed concern over the unavailability of ammonium nitrate fertiliser.
“We are currently receiving too much rain and crops might end up being leached or become yellowish. Leaching can become worse where a farmer did not apply enough basal fertiliser,” she said.
Leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil due to excessive rain or irrigation, and the heavier the rain or irrigation, the worse the leaching.
The most water-soluble plant nutrient that is easily leached is nitrogen. While most basal fertilisers contain nitrogen, the nitrogen level in most basal maize fertilisers is usually low.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) executive director Mr Paul Zakariya said farmers have been assured that efforts to resolve the supply constraints currently being experienced are being made.
“There is a general shortage of top-dressing fertilisers countrywide. In order to achieve desired outputs for the season, the matter needs to be urgently addressed,” he said.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri reassured that modalities have been put in place to address the challenge.
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