Early planted crops thrive, promise a bountiful harvest

Judith Phiri 

Business Reporter 

FARMERS and agricultural officials have expressed growing anticipation for a bumper harvest as the 2024/25 summer cropping season unfolds with sixty-five percent of early-planted crops reportedly thriving.

In an update on the current cropping season, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri urged farmers to engage in weed control and pest scouting to maximise productivity.

“Farmers need to be vigilant for weeds and pests, as the rainy conditions create an ideal environment for pest development,” Prof Jiri stated.

“So far, the outlook appears positive and we remain optimistic about a fruitful harvest.”

He further noted that crops planted as early as November are already beginning to tassel with the recent rains anticipated to enhance yields.

“If the rains persist into February, we should be on track for a significant harvest,” he added.

Notably, crops previously affected by mid-season drought are showing recovery signs, thanks to favourable weather conditions. He said maize planting reached 98 percent of the national target, with 1.786 million hectares having been planted.

“We will continue to monitor progress. For traditional grains, we have achieved approximately 400000 hectares planted nationwide which is considerably higher than in previous years and with the ongoing rains the figure may have increased as farmers have continued planting.”

Tobacco planting has also exceeded last year’s figures, with over 120000 hectares planted. Prof Jiri highlighted that tobacco planting was extended until 15 January and indications suggest that this year’s tobacco yield will be favourable.

Additionally, he emphasised the importance of diversifying crops and encouraging farmers to plant sweet potatoes, sunflowers and sugar beans, all of which can still be sown in the current rainfall activity.

The Government aims to enhance the production output of key crops to 4.1 million tonnes this season, including a target of 2.7 million tonnes for maize.