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AT least 1,6 million hectares have been put under grains as farmers race against time to complete planting in line with the set deadline.
Authorities, who are expecting a “short and sharp” El Niño-induced summer cropping season, set January 10 as the last day of planting.
Last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said farmers need to use the current wet spell to complete planting.
“This season has been late. The rains started in December, but the rains are upon us.
“We have said farmers should accelerate and complete planting by 10 January throughout the country,” he said.
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services acting director of crop production Mr Leonard Munamati on Wednesday said significant progress has been made on planting.
“We have made significant progress in terms of planting. Over 1,6 million ha of cereals (maize, traditional grain crops) have been planted to date and this is good progress.
“Those planting sorghum can even initially plant without basal-dressing fertiliser then come in with an early (first ten days of emergence) application of basal-dressing fertiliser, where the fertiliser is mechanically placed into the soil, into the root zone, for uptake of the NPK,” he said.
“While this practically increases labour, it helps in increasing the area planted while there is still some moisture.”
Farmers, he said, must apply fertiliser earlier than normal to boost growth of their crops.
Mr Munamati called for the shift of focus from planting to best agronomic practices to manage the crop progress.
“Farmers must now focus on how to produce good yields from the planted hectares. We need to remain food-secure everywhere every day.
“Weed control is key, especially in the first five weeks of the crops. The crops must be weed-free to minimise competition at the early stage,” he added.
“Scout for pests so that any outbreak of fall armyworm can be controlled.
“Scout during early morning hours and late in the evening and spray to control the pest if necessary.”
He urged farmers to employ Pfumvudza/Intwasa methods of mulching fields to conserve moisture in case of a possible dry spell that is usually associated with an El Niño season.
“Farmers must also go for sugar beans, African peas, and sweet potatoes to utilise the current moisture. These crops are short season and nutritious.”
Online Reporter