Government to Begin Nationwide Cloud-Seeding on 1 November
Story By Zvamaida Murwira
Government has started preparing a nationwide cloud-seeding programme to improve the chances of rain in the 2026/2027 season, after global climate agencies warned of a Super El Niño.
The post-Cabinet briefing issued today said the operation will begin on 1 November. Dr Anxious Masuka, the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, presented the plan to Cabinet.
The statement said that, given the unprecedented Super El Niño warnings from global climate agencies, Government is stepping up its mitigation efforts, including cloud seeding, to raise the likelihood of rainfall. It added that the public is being notified that cloud seeding will start on 1 November 2026.
Three aircraft will support the operation, stationed at strategic airfields to cover the main farming and water-dependent provinces. The planned bases are:
- Harare: covering all Mashonaland provinces
- Bulawayo: covering all Matabeleland provinces
- Masvingo: covering Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces
Cabinet’s decision reflects a commitment to building resilience through early action, aimed at safeguarding agriculture, water supplies and livelihoods during the 2026/2027 season.
Reporting based on original coverage by The Herald.
