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Fildah Gwati
WITH the winter season fast setting in, farmers must start preparations for their horticultural activities particularly the cultivation of leafy vegetables and green pepper.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development chief agronomist Ms Rutendo Nhongonhema recently urged farmers to stay proactive and grow vegetables and green pepper to boost their incomes saying as the winter season progressed, there would be a lot of horticultural activities.
“The winter season presents an ideal opportunity for farmers to cultivate various vegetables as cool temperatures and favourable growing conditions make it conducive for the growth of crops under the leafy greens category, root vegetables and other cold-tolerant varieties.
“By diversifying crop selection, farmers can maximise their productivity and profitability during the winter months,” said Ms Nhongonhema.
She added that farmers intending to grow tomatoes should take proactive measures to ensure the plants are not exposed to frost or they are not in frost prone areas, as frost can cause severe damage resulting in reduced yields or even crop failure.
Meanwhile, given the relatively low amount of rainfall received last season, farmers need to take proactive measures to preserve the limited moisture content in the soil.
Ms Nhongonhema advised farmers to clear their land and prevent the growth of grass or weeds, which can deplete the available moisture. This step is especially important for those planning to engage in Pfumvudza/Intwasa, a popular conservation agriculture technique.
“For farmers participating in Pfumvudza, this is the time to begin potholing and incorporating manure and lime into the soil. These incentives contribute to the overall success of the Pfumvudza method, which emphasises the cultivation of small plots with improved soil fertility and water retention,” she added.
She added that the application of lime was advisable this season given the poor rainfall season the country has gone through. Farmers must capitalise on the benefits of the current weather conditions, as the incorporation of lime into the soil can enhance crop growth and yield.
In a statement, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri recently advocated the adoption of permanent Pfumvudza/Intwasa planting techniques that promote resilience to climatic shocks leading to food security.
“We advocate for the permanency of current Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots to ensure benefits of the conservation intervention facilitate easy tracking and opening up of investment opportunities. This allows the incremental benefit of soil and water conservation on the plot,” Prof Jiri said.
Online Reporter