Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
FARMERS from across the country have been encouraged to start planting for the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, taking advantage of the current rainfall being experienced.
Those in areas yet to receive rain are advised to employ dry planting techniques
The Government aims to achieve a cereal production target of over 3,2 million tonnes, significantly exceeding the approximately 750 000 metric tonnes harvested during the 2023/2024 season, in a bid to enhance food security.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said in some areas farmers have already received enough rains to plant.
“The rain season has started and also the planting season has started. We have seen increased rainfall activity in most areas. Those places that have received at least 20 millimetres of rainfall over a period of two to three days they should proceed to plant.
“Those areas where rainfall has been received and with concurrence with Agritex extension officers that there is actually rainfall that is effective they have no reason to wait. We are urging all farmers to start planting,” he said.
He said those that are yet to receive rains, they should apply dry planting, while more rains were expected this coming week and throughout the month in most parts of the country.
Prof Jiri said according to weather forecasts, more rains are expected to start mid-next week and farmers who were still preparing their land must expedite their farming activities, so that they plant on time.
The bold target of over 3,2 million tonnes of cereal production is part of the Government’s broader effort to improve food security and recovery from the El Niño-induced drought that severely affected crop yields in the previous season.
Following the launch of the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa small-scale farming scheme by President Mnangagwa in Buhera last month, the distribution of inputs is rolling across provinces with farmers collecting the inputs at their nearest Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots.
The Permanent Secretary said over 3.5 million households have benefitted under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme this summer cropping season, with prospects high for a good harvest after predictions of normal to above normal rains.
Farmers across the country are optimistic about the upcoming season, especially given predictions of normal to above-normal rainfall. The early distribution of inputs, coupled with favourable weather forecasts, has created an environment conducive to increased agricultural productivity.
The devastating El Niño drought left many parts of the country struggling to meet basic needs, depleting national food reserves and frustrating the livestock sector.
With improved weather conditions expected, farmers now have the opportunity to produce more, not only for immediate consumption but also to replenish reserves.
Bongani Ndlovu