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Theseus Shambare
THE Government has urged farmers across the country to immediately commence planting, given the early rains.
Some farmers have since sown their seeds, and the early-planted crops have started to germinate in well-watered regions.
Significant rainfall activity has been observed across the country, with some areas experiencing near-flood conditions.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri encouraged farmers to commence planting.
“We have seen increased rainfall activity in most areas; near flooding in some areas and those in places that have received at least 20 millimetres of rainfall over a period of two or three days should proceed to plant,” he said.
“Those areas where rainfall has been received and with the concurrence of the Agritex officers that there is actually rainfall that is effective, they (farmers) have no reason to wait.
“We are urging more farmers to start planting.”
Prof Jiri further encouraged farmers to also consider dry planting as a viable option, noting its economic benefits.
“It is also allowed; it is economically good to dry plant,” he explained.
He expressed optimism about the continued increase in rainfall activity, predicting significant precipitation in the coming week.
“The rainfall activity is continuing to increase.
“We have seen what has been in the last few days, but certainly in the next week we are seeing increased rainfall activity in all areas,” he said.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe echoed Prof Jiri’s sentiments.
“Yes, the rains are upon us. Early-planted crop usually achieves desired yields.
“Early rains allow farmers to plant those crops which are high-yielding, but considering our recent experiences, we urge farmers to go for early-maturity varieties,” said Dr Makombe.
The Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president, who is also a prominent farmer in Manicaland, Ms Monica Chinamasa, said the rain received sets Zimbabwe for a good-yielding season.
“God has finally listened to our prayers. The rains we have been receiving for the past weeks have been enough for us to plant.
“Personally, I have planted 90 hectares of maize and everything germinated and promise to be a good crop,” she said.
She, however, said there is need for farmers, with assistance from the Government, to invest in irrigation systems to cater for unforeseen mid-season dry spells.
“While we received enough rains, there is need to invest in irrigation, in order to avoid losses that may be caused by mid-season dry spells,” she said.
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Online Reporter