Government has begun preparations for a nationwide cloud-seeding programme aimed at increasing the chances of rainfall during the 2026/2027 agricultural season amid warnings of a Super El Niño from global climate agencies.
According to the latest Post-Cabinet briefing, the programme is scheduled to commence on November 1, 2026, as Government steps up measures to mitigate the potential effects of adverse weather conditions.
The initiative was presented to Cabinet by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.
“In light of the unprecedented Super El Nino warnings being issued by global climate agencies, Government is intensifying mitigatory measures, including cloud-seeding efforts to increase chances of precipitation,” Cabinet said.
“The nation is informed that cloud seeding is set to commence on 01 November 2026.”
The cloud-seeding programme will be supported by three aircraft strategically deployed across the country to improve coverage of major agricultural and water-dependent areas.
Under the deployment plan, one aircraft will operate from Harare and cover all Mashonaland provinces, while another will be based in Bulawayo to serve the Matabeleland provinces.
The third aircraft will operate from Masvingo and cover the Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
The nationwide deployment is intended to ensure that cloud-seeding operations can be conducted across key areas of the country during suitable weather conditions.
Government’s decision comes as preparations for the 2026/2027 rainfall season intensify, with authorities seeking to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate-related risks.
The programme is expected to complement other measures aimed at safeguarding agricultural production, water availability and livelihoods in the event of reduced rainfall.
Cloud seeding involves introducing suitable particles into clouds to encourage the formation of precipitation. Its effectiveness depends on the presence of appropriate clouds and atmospheric conditions, meaning operations can only be undertaken when such conditions are available.
The planned intervention forms part of Government’s broader efforts to adopt pre-emptive measures in response to climate risks and protect communities dependent on reliable rainfall.
With agriculture and water supplies heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall, authorities are preparing early to minimise potential disruptions during the forthcoming season.
