What grows in Kasama
Northern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Kasama
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,233 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, November and December look heavier than usual. Make sure water can drain off the field; a wet year does more damage through waterlogging and disease than through the rain itself. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.1 °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 full main crop, 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 95% of this area. |
| 95% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 210 growing days · about 1,250 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 3% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 179 growing days · about 1,170 mm · October to April |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Kasama
95% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MoringaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 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 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 -
TomatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LemonFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RiceFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 14 Mar 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 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 outside the crop's range -
CassavaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TeaFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 17 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 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
TurmericModeratePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonDry season too long for this crop
3% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 57 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 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 -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 21 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 -
TomatoFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 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 -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 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 optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 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 -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 18 Feb 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 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 -
YamFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CashewFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 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 -
CassavaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericModeratePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 21 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · 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 Kasama with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
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 — manageable -
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EnsetFavourable 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 — manageable -
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 -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 71.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Kasama
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.
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 15 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Kasama, 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 Kasama
- 31 August 2026 Hot Pepper — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Avocado — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Passion Fruit — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Cabbage — 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 Kasama?
African eggplant, Bambara groundnut, Common bean, Cotton, Cowpea all rate well in Kasama — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Kasama?
In Kasama the window for African eggplant runs 19 Oct 2026 to 28 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Kasama?
Divisi does. It reads Kasama'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 Kasama, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.