Staff Reporter

Farmers are celebrating the rainfall that commenced yesterday. The downpour is being hailed as a miracle by farmers who had lost hope due to the looming specter of El Nino.

Maama Abena, a farmer from Marondera, expressed her joy at the unexpected turn of events, emphasizing that the rains were indeed a miracle.

“The predicted drought had cast a shadow over the upcoming season, threatening to parch the land and dash the hopes of farmers. Abena remarked: “It is a miracle! The elders said El Niño would steal our harvests, but the heavens have spoken otherwise.

“The predicted El Niño, a specter looming over the 2023/2024 season, had threatened to dry the land and wither our dreams. Yesterday's deluge washed away our fear. Fields once resigned to the sun's scorching gaze are now being prepped,” said Abena.

Gertrude Manyava, another farmer, urged her fellow farmers to capitalize on the unexpected rainfall and promptly commence planting. She emphasized the need for swift action.

“We must be swift. The rains are a gift, but we cannot leave their bounty to chance. We must plant, we must nurture, and we must squeeze every drop of life from this precious dance with the heavens," said Manyava.

John Gamba, a farmer from Beatrice expressed gratitude to the heavens for the rains, suggesting that they brought promise to every farmer in the face of the previously predicted El Niño threat.

"The El Niño threat had been dealt a blow. Farmers acknowledge the value of a single, precious raindrop. We will not waste this chance,” said Gamba.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, through the MSD, issued a statement yesterday forecasting localized downpours in the Eastern Highlands, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, and areas around Bulawayo Metropolitan province. While celebrating the rains, the MSD also cautioned the public against crossing flooded rivers or swollen streams, advising that just a 30 cm depth of flowing water could sweep away large vehicles.