Chronicle EditorJudith Phiri, Business Reporter
WITH the onset of the rainy season and the intensifying of cropping throughout the country, farmers have also been urged to be on the lookout for pests that cam affect crops at any stage of their growth.
In an update, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) acting chief director, Mr Leonard Munamati called on farmers to practice pest control.
“To date, a total of 79 traps have been set in all districts of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces. Reports from areas covered in Manicaland Province include Headlands, Chiendambuya, Rusape, Chikobvore, Mutare, Bazile Bridge, Forbes, Penalonga, Burma Valley, Murambinda, Birchenough Bridge, Chikodze, Nyanga, Nyamaropa, Chipinge, Save Valley, Mutasa DC, Honde Valley, Nyanyadzi, Chakohwa and Chimanimani, show no record of armyworm so far. Let’s remain vigilant,” he said.
The armyworm is a migratory pest that has become a major threat to farming communities in Zimbabwe.
It can cause significant yield losses and damage to a wide range of crops, including maize, sorghum, millet, wheat and barley.
Mr Munamati said early warning and early action were crucial in agriculture and food security because they enable farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders to enhance preparedness.
He said the response to agriculture matters, reduces harm, minimise economic losses, reduces mortality, mitigates disaster, saves lives and supports long-term resilience.
In terms of important facts to consider during the rainy season, Mr Munamati said: “Agro-ecological input acquisition land preparation must be on point to embrace continuous rains in November, December and January, which is predicted to receive normal to above normal rains. We must employ water-conservation technologies, such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa and adhere to planting during the ideal planting time frame.”
He said to farmers that have received at least 20mm of rainfall in three consecutive days, the planting should have started.
Mr Munamati said farmers should utilise the chance to plant with the first effective rains.
“Farmers should use pre-emergency herbicides at planting for early weed control. All remaining wheat farmers must finish harvesting this week.”
Mr Munamati said the chance of hailstorms and lightning was very high, both livestock and tobacco farmers were encouraged to ensure the protection of livelihoods.
Meanwhile, a Bulawayo businessman and farmer, Mr Decent Sibanda has set up a solar-powered dip tank in Shangani to aid in the fight against tick-borne diseases and theileriosis (January disease) that have been the leading causes of animal deaths in the area.
During this time (November to March), farmers are urged to intensify dipping cattle to fight theileriosis and other tick-borne diseases.
Mr Sibanda who owns Dee and Noe Butcheries, among other businesses, said by setting up the facility he had taken into consideration the few dip tanks in the area.
“As a person in the livestock sector business, it is important to ensure we protect our livestock to reduce the upsurge in death cases. Cattle dipping remains one of the most effective control measures against all ticks and tick-borne diseases,” he said.
“Realising that there were few dip tanks in our area, l saw the need to set up one, which will also benefit the surrounding communities.”
With over 300 cattle and other livestock, he said by operation of the law, anyone who does not dip their cattle, or whose cattle are tick-infested, should be prosecuted to ensure that they do not inconvenience other farmers.
Mr Sibanda said the current arrangement he had come up with for the surrounding communities was that they can come to dip their livestock for free this month and afterward they, then start to share the costs of acquiring the chemicals required.
“We want to ensure that with the rains that are upon us, we also tackle the increased activity of ticks and resulting tick-borne diseases. In the past, the country has lost thousands of cattle due to January disease and other tick-borne diseases,” he added.
The project contractor, Mr Victor Moyo, of Denker Investment Private Limited said plunge dip tank facilities were the preferred method of dipping large numbers of livestock, especially beef cattle.
“If constructed and used correctly, plunge dips ensure complete wetting of the animals, particularly the important areas such as inside the ears and under the tail where ticks are found. Sheep and goats can be effectively dipped in a plunge dip, but a handler must be ready to assist them when necessary,” he said.
The Government is on record urging farmers that dipping of cattle is mandatory by law and wants cattle dipped at least once a week to control ticks and tick-borne diseases.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has revealed that it has stocked adequate dipping chemicals for the entire country to ensure the weekly dipping of livestock for this summer agricultural season.
Online Reporter