Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati, Agriculture News Editor
Farmers have planted more than 2,4 million hectares of summer crops as rains continue favourably across most parts of the country.
This also comes as crops and livestock are reported to be in a generally good condition.
There are, however, some reports from farmers that the current rains, which have been excessive in certain areas, have caused leaching.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the planting of key crops was currently underway in all provinces and the target was to complete planting maize and sorghum by the end of December to maximise yields.
A target of 1,8 million hectares was set for maize by the Government.
Latest statistics from the ministry also show that a total of 2 452 355 ha have been put under summer crops so far.
“As of 19 December, a total of 1 504 066 ha of maize, 436 481 ha of sorghum, 226 186 ha of pearl millet, 33 705 ha of soya bean, 42 119 ha of sunflower and 96 262ha of cotton have been planted across the country.
“The total tobacco area transplanted was 113 536 ha compared to 93 281ha planted at the same time last year. 24 415ha of tobacco is under irrigation, while 89 121 ha is under dryland, compared to 73 537ha of tobacco transplanted under dryland at the same time last year,” read the Ministry of Lands’ weekly update.
As at December 19, 9 161 tonnes of maize seed, 3 925 tonnes of sorghum seed, 403 tonnes of pearl millet seed, 30 068 tonnes of compound D, and 26 233 tonnes of top dressing for the Presidential Inputs Programme (PIP) have been delivered to GMB depots nationally, and distribution to farmers is in progress.
Farmers have been urged to use the current rains to recharge soil moisture, especially in conservation systems like Pfumvudza/ Intwasa.
“Conduct planting, fertiliser and pesticide applications early morning before afternoon thunderstorms. This reduces the risk of wash off and soil compaction.
“Ensure that water harvesting structures such as contour ridges and micro dams are functional to capture rainfall for later use,” the ministry said.
Farmers were also urged to increase scouting for early detection of pests and diseases.
“The humid and warm conditions are favourable for fungal diseases such as grey leaf spot and pest outbreaks. Apply fungicides or appropriate treatments during drier morning hours to maximise efficacy,” said the report.
“African army-worm moth trap catches of more than 20 moths were reported in Chiendambuya (Manicaland). Close monitoring of the area is ongoing. Surveillance of locusts and African armyworm is ongoing in all provinces.
“Fall armyworm incidences were reported in the early crop and advice was given to rotate the chemicals to avoid resistance of the pest. Rodents reported in Matabeleland South. Advisory on which rodenticides to use was given,” said the update.
Migratory pest control teams are ready to respond to any potential outbreaks.
According to the update, grazing conditions and forage quality are good and abundant due to the rains received in most parts of the country.
Livestock water availability is adequate across most areas and has improved following the widespread rains received nationwide.
Borehole drilling, rehabilitation and construction of water troughs at Livestock drought mitigation centres and at Village Business Units is ongoing.
“Livestock body condition remains fair to good across most areas,” read the report.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said crops and livestock were in good condition due to the current rains.
He, however, pointed out that the rains had brought both positive and negative developments.
“Crops are in good condition except for some areas where maize has started showing signs of leaching. Rains are good as they improve pastures and increase underground water.
“In areas where rains are causing leaching, farmers should take mitigatory measures to reduce the negative effects of the rains. This is where split application of fertilisers comes in.
“Farmers should also drain the fields either through contours, ridges, or drains. It is also important that farmers harvest the water for future use,” he said.
Dr Makombe said livestock was in good condition and urged farmers to take care of their animals to reduce losses from tick-borne diseases.
He also advised farmers to be on the lookout for cattle rustlers who may take advantage of the vegetation to steal livestock.
“Farmers should increase dipping intervals. Dipping is a must and not an option, farmers should dip at least twice a week,” he said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Trust president, Mrs Depinah Nkomo, said crops were in good condition, although in some areas farmers were having challenges with top dressing application due to waterlogging.
“We want the rains for our crops and livestock, but, unfortunately, there is waterlogging in some areas. Farmers should be careful when applying top dressing to ensure the nutrients are not washed away by the heavy rains,” she said.
