adminThe delayed rains means a short summer season so farmers should concentrate on short-seasoned varieties and small grains. In many areas farmers had lost hope of planting this season but we understand following significant rains received in most parts of the country this week, planting is now in full swing. Farmers, especially in areas that receive marginal rainfall such as Matabeleland, some parts of the Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces, should concentrate on small grains such as sorghum and rapoko.
It is important, given the late start of the season, for farmers to just concentrate on that land they are able to plant on time instead of working on large tracts of land thereby further delaying the planting. It is our fervent hope that most farmers had their inputs ready before the start of the rains and that most of them had already prepared the land for planting. Those farmers who had not prepared the land for planting should consider zero tillage so that they are able to plant early and as we have already pointed out, it is important to plant only short-season varieties.
The District Development Fund on its part should avail tractors to farmers so that the country is able to increase its hectarage under crops despite the late rains. Zimbabwe’s economy is agro-based and as such a poor agricultural season spells doom for the economy. All efforts should therefore be directed at ensuring that farmers realise a good harvest. The distribution of inputs such as fertilizer should have been completed by now and if not there is need to speed up the distribution.
Most farmers at the moment need compound D fertiliser but there is no harm in ensuring that farmers have both compound D and Ammonium Nitrate fertilizers. The farmers’ organisation should be on the alert regarding any shortages in their respective areas so that they can quickly raise an alarm. Companies that supply fertilisers and other inputs should be aware of the national consumption and in the event of a deficit, mechanisms should be put in place to import the difference.
The changing weather patterns call for a completely new approach to cultiavtion of crops. The country can no longer continue to rely on dryland cultivation. There is need for farmers to ensure that dryland cultivation is complemented by growing crops under irrigation. What this entails is that farmers should harness as much water as possible through construction of dams. Communal farmers should come up with a target number of dams they want to construct every year and then seek assistance from Government.
The farmers on their part should be prepared to provide free labour. The years when farmers just wait to plant in summer are over and the new approach should be growing crops throughout the year. Those farmers resettled under A2 should invest in irrigation infrastructure as well as construct dams.
Zimbabwe needs to retain its status as the food basket for the Southern African region and this is only possible if both communal and resettled farmers plan adequately for each cropping season. We want to once again urge farmers to concentrate on short-season varieties because the season is already behind by about two months.
Online Reporter