Crops and pastures need rain

The Rhodesia Herald,

6 February 1979

PATCHY RAIN over many parts of the country has done little to help the position of the major crops. Rain is still needed badly in most areas, particularly in the north.

Conex reports that areas with below normal rainfall have increased. Rainfall has remained patchy with no overall convergence and with dry air in the upper levels.

Recorded falls have been variable with the highest over high ground. Crops have been affected, particularly in the northern areas of Mashonaland, Maize pollination problems will reduce yields and scorched tobacco will reduce quality.

In the fortnightly report, prepared by the Department of Conservation and Extension, for the period ending on February 2 the condition of the veld and pasture is described as variable but lacking in bulk.

In some areas, grass is wilting and needs rain. Winter roughage may be short in some parts. Water supplies are described as “adequate” but river flows are low for this time of year. Some of the smaller dams in the northern areas have dried up.