adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
Crops in Midlands are showing signs of moisture stress as the province has not received any rains in the past few weeks. The majority of farmers in the Midlands rely on rain-fed agriculture.
In an interview, Midlands Provincial Crop and Livestock officer, Mrs Madeline Magwenzi said most farmers in the province planted between October and early November when the country received major rainfalls. She said crops like maize were beginning to show signs of wilting.
“We have not received rains for some weeks now and in heavy clay and sandy soils, crops are experiencing day wilting due to the prolonged hot spells, but in the evening and morning they look okay,” she said.
“These are just signs of moisture stress, but we hope the country will receive rains in the next few days as has been predicted by weather expects,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi said it was too early to draw conclusions on the effects of the current dry spell.
“The crops are still at an early vegetative stage so we cannot draw conclusions on the impact of the dry spell to the overall yield. If we receive rains in the next few days, the crops will be fine,” she said.
Farmers who spoke to The Herald yesterday said their crops would be a write-off if they did not receive rains for another week.
“My maize crop is on sticky soils and already wilting. I am praying that we receive rains this week, otherwise I will be forced to replant,” said Mr Rabson Muwani of Gokwe South.
Another farmer, Mr Gerald Mathonsi, said he used the dry planting method and his maize crop was now at a critical stage.
“I normally do dry planting and I have a thriving maize crop already at waist level. At this point, the crop needs water, but due to the dry spell, I am beginning to get worried,” he said.
Online Reporter