FARMERS in Matabeleland North have started planting their crops under the 2022/23 summer season following the rains that have been pounding the province and several parts of the country.
Most parts of the country started receiving rains at the beginning of this month bringing hope to farmers. The Meteorological Services Department has predicted a normal to above normal rainfall season.
The acting provincial director for agricultural rural development services in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, Mr Dumisani Nyoni said farmers in all districts in the province received inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Inputs Scheme.
Under the scheme, 3,5 million farmers in communal, A1, small-scale commercial farming, old resettlement and peri-urban are beneficiaries.
The programme is supporting five Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, each measuring 39m x 16m in size per household can now start planting.
This year, Government has said the distribution of seed types and varieties for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme will depend on the climatic and soils of each region in order to boost production.
Mr Nyoni said the distribution of inputs is ongoing in Bubi and Nkayi districts.
“Matabeleland North province has received rainfall even if it hasn’t covered all places and some farmers have started planting. Inputs distribution has started in all districts for those that have prepared their plots in line with Intwasa or mechanised programme,” he said.
Mr Nyoni said most farmers received sorghum and millet. He said farmers are optimistic of having the first crops.
“We are hoping that this is not a false start where we can have a dry spell and we are praying that it doesn’t stop,” he said.
Mr Nyoni urged farmers to be patient with their draught power, saying it is still weak since pastures have not been replenished.
The condition of livestock in the province had deteriorated as animals had run out of pastures. Animals were also walking long distances to reach water points causing their condition to further deteriorate.
Mrs Sinikiwe Sibanda of Mavimileni under Chief Siphoso in Tsholotsho said she prepared 20 plots and has so far planted 16 of them.
“We have started preparing our plots and we have planted 16 of them since it started raining on Sunday. We hope the seeds will start germinating,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda was voted the best farmer at the Matabeleland North Agricultural Show in Hwange in September.
She also represented the province at the Harare Agricultural Show.
Ms Virginia Dube, a farmer from Matetsi Ward 1 in Hwange District who was also voted best farmer at the Victoria Falls International Agricultural Show, said she prepared her plots and plans to grow cash crops.
She planted cotton among other crops. – The Chronicle
