Many farmers have started planting and those who have already benefited from good falls since the onset of the month have been advised not to delay planting.
The rains have seen an increase in planting across the country since there is now moisture in the soil, while many farmers, especially those taking part under the Climate-proofed Presidential Input Scheme had already taken advantage of the early rains to plant.
Meteorological Services Department head of forecasting Mr James Ngoma said there will be more slight showers today, but the rest of this week will be sunny and hot in most parts of the country.
According to agricultural experts, farmers can plant maize when they have received 25mm of rain or more.
Some farmers now have rain gauges to decide when it is safe to plant, while others rely on advice from Agritex extension officers, who have the responsibility of giving the go ahead to entire communities.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe urged farmers to take advantage of the current soil moisture to intensify planting as delays would result in lower yields.
“Due to climate change and variability incidences, it is important for farmers to make use of information on weather provided,” he said.
“Moisture content is very high so farmers should take advantage of the rains to maximize production. Right now farmers are busy with planting.”
Dr Makombe urged farmers to intensify planting, but also advised them to seek advice when in doubt.
He said it was important for farmers to know their regions so that they planted crops which suited their areas and for farmers who had no irrigation to plant short-term varieties.
Zimbabwe Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo confirmed that planting was underway.
“Most farmers under Pfumvudza are busy planting,” she said.
“This is the time to do so. Here in Chegutu we are receiving rains almost every day for the past two weeks. Farmers are busy right now with planting.
“Let’s focus on small grains as well, including sorghum. Even sunflower we can start planting. Let’s also grow variety of crops.”
Mrs Nkomo said farmers were excited with the new season, adding that the process of planting was progressing well countrywide.
Zimbabwe has set a target of 3,6 million tonnes of maize for this season, which weather experts say should have good rains.
Recently, the Met Department gave a forecast of normal to above normal rains for the current season.
The Second Republic has made farming, the livelihood for the majority, a top priority in both creating income streams for farmers as families are moved from subsistence to commercial production and in supplying the country with its food and many raw materials.
The Government plans on an US$8,2 billion agriculture industry economy by next year, underpinned by the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) — the driver towards Vision 2030 to make Zimbabwe an upper middle-class economy.
The country requires 2,2 million tonnes of maize for human and livestock consumption and the three million tonne target will allow a build up of carry-over buffer stocks, plus allow some exports. – The Herald
