Dry spell affects crops in Mat South

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast that the country will receive rains from Sunday, but farmers in the province have expressed concern over the prolonged mid-season dry spell.
In an interview in Gwanda on Wednesday, Matabeleland South Governor and Resident Minister, Angeline Masuku, applauded farmers in the province for planting on time but expressed worry over the continued dry spell.
“I am satisfied with progress in farming. People received seed on time and most of them have planted and some are still planting. We have also observed improved hectarage this year compared to the past years.
“We are, however, worried about the prolonged dry spell. We have heard the rainfall projections but farmers are worried because their crops are beginning to wilt,” she said.
Governor Masuku urged farmers not to lose hope but to continue working hard in order to improve food production.
“Now that farmers have planted, we urge them to try by all means to weed their crops and improve their productivity. Those who grow small grains should alert their Agritex officer on time in the event of quelea birds in order to avert losses,” she said.
On livestock, Governor Masuku said there was improvement in grazing but more rains were needed to provide sufficient pastures.
On Tuesday, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Mr Donald Khumalo said most provinces in the country were affected by the dry spell and this was affecting progress in farming.
Although farmers have been urged to plant small grains, Matabeleland South has over the years been hit by a food shortage due to crop failure as a result of low rains.
The region is located in agro-ecological region five, which is characterised by low rainfall. The Government has been challenged to facilitate the resuscitation of irrigation schemes as a measure to enhance food production.