What grows in Nyimba
Eastern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Nyimba
| 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 879 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, 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 +1.5 °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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Nyimba
-
GroundnutFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 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 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 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 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 5 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 -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 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 -
PapayaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 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 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 1 May 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 3 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 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
YamModeratePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Nyimba 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 — manageable -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
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 — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 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 2.6 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 3.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 39.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 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 6.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 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 14.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CoconutFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Nyimba
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.
- Lemon Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lime Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mandarin Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet orange Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Niger seed Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Irish potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Beetroot Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet pepper Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Tea Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 30 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Nyimba, 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 Nyimba
- 2 September 2026 Cashew — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Papaya — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Lablab — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Cowpea — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Bambara Groundnut — Crop became recommendable
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.
Support and extension
- Farmer Input Support Programme
- Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility
- Department of Agriculture
- Seed Control and Certification Institute
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Nyimba?
Groundnut, Maize, Mango, Sesame, Cashew all rate well in Nyimba — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Groundnut in Nyimba?
In Nyimba the window for Groundnut runs 27 Oct 2026 to 26 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Nyimba?
Divisi does. It reads Nyimba'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 Nyimba, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.