Farmers urged to implement frost prevention measures

Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter

PARTS of the country are expected to experience ground frost conditions on Sunday and Monday with farmers urged to implement frost prevention measures to safeguard their crops and poultry.

Ground frost conditions typically affect tomatoes, cabbages and carrots in the fields in winter while poultry farmers can incur huge losses as a result of high bird mortality due to cold conditions overnight.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned in an advisory notice that parts of the country will experience very cold conditions in the mornings and at night.

“Cold conditions under clear skies at first with ground frost in areas such as Chivhu, Chipinge, Nkayi, Matopos, Gweru, Gwanda, Masvingo, Nyanga, and Rusape on Sunday. Sunny and mild for the rest of the day becoming cold overnight,” said MSD.

“Ensure the young and elderly are kept warm especially in the morning and overnight. Farmers must implement frost prevention measures where necessary, monitor temperatures in fowl runs and adjust accordingly, with advice from local Agricultural Business Advisory Officers,” said MSD.

On Monday, similar conditions are expected to prevail in the same areas.