What grows in Mecanhelas
Niassa, Moçambique
The 2026/27 season in Mecanhelas
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 997 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — February and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.4 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 69% of this area. |
| 69% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 168 growing days · about 1,020 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 30% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 215 growing days · about 1,230 mm · October to June |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mecanhelas
69% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 54 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-maturing — drought risk
30% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
SesameFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 16 Mar 2027 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonDry season too long for this crop
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Mecanhelas with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 111.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CoconutFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Mecanhelas
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Avocado Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Coconut Moderate — Water
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 16 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mecanhelas, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Mecanhelas
- 2 September 2026 Amaranth — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Amaranth — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Amaranth — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Dec 2026
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
Support and extension
- Programa de Desenvolvimento Inclusivo de Cadeias de Valor Agro-Alimentares
- SUSTENTA
- Autoridade Nacional de Sementes
- Direcção Nacional de Extensão Agrária
- Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mecanhelas?
Sweet orange, Bambara groundnut, Cashew, Egusi melon, Finger millet all rate well in Mecanhelas — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Sweet orange in Mecanhelas?
In Mecanhelas the window for Sweet orange runs 17 Oct 2026 to 6 Nov 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Mecanhelas?
Divisi does. It reads Mecanhelas's own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average, so the planting dates and crop shortlist on this page are the same ones the app works out for a field here — then dates each job for that field, and keeps working with no signal.
Is this exact for my own field?
No — these are readings taken across Mecanhelas, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.