….as farmers are urged to continue planting

Agriculture Reporter

Government has reassured farmers across the nation of an imminent shift in weather conditions, with more rains expected this weekend. 

This comes amid concerns over a dry spell that has raised fears of potential drought.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, urged farmers not to panic but to continue planting, assuring them that more rains are expected this weekend.

“We would like to call on our farmers not to panic. So far, we have planted an area of 900,000 hectares and we continue planting. While the crops are suffering from moisture stress, it’s good for hardening. We got a report from the Met department indicating that increased rains are forecasted this weekend. So, this is temporary, and we still hope for a good season,” said Professor Jiri.

With the rainy season expected to be shorter but normal, stretching until the end of March next year, Government is advising farmers still planting to focus on short-season maize varieties and traditional grains to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.

“The season will be a shorter one up to the end of March, so we encourage farmers to plant more short-seasoned varieties so that they avoid the risk of losing their crop owing to climate change,” added Professor Jiri.

Despite the challenges posed by the dry spell, the government remains optimistic about achieving its targeted grain output of 3.3 million metric tonnes this season. 

The forecast of normal to above-normal rains during the second half of the summer cropping period is expected to boost farmers’ productivity.

Farmers across the country have expressed relief and anticipation following the announcement of the expected rains.

John Moyo, a maize farmer from Mashonaland Central, said, “We have already prepared our land and planted some of the crops. These rains will be a blessing, and we are optimistic about achieving good yields this year.”

In Masvingo, traditional grain farmer Sarah Chikanda shared her thoughts: “The dry spell has been concerning, but we trusted the forecast and started planting early. We are ready for the rains and hope they come as predicted.”

Another farmer, Tawanda Ncube from Matabeleland South, added, “We have been waiting for this rain to boost our crops. Government’s advice to plant short-season varieties is helpful, and we are hopeful for a successful season despite the challenges.”

With farmers prepared and optimistic, the expected rains offer a renewed sense of hope for the agricultural sector as Zimbabwe aims to secure a successful cropping season.