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Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
MIDLANDS Crop and Livestock Officer Mrs Medline Magwenzi has implored farmers in the province to plant early as preparations for the summer cropping season gather momentum.
In an interview, Mrs Magwenzi said they have started spreading the information to ensure that the farmers plant early.
“We have started cascading the information down to our farmers to say they should plant early so that they catch up with the rains. The forecast is saying that between December and January, rains will be normal but they will be below normal by February going on. We need more rain in December and January. So by the time the rains will be below normal, that will be ripening stage and not much of rains will be required,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi said her department had deliberately started preparations early so that farmers can start planting early. “Preparations are going on well. Currently we are in the process of contracting farmers and we are doing so early because we want them to start planting early to avoid any disappointments. We have contracted about 45 000 hectares with irrigation taking up to 35 000hecatres and dry land about 15 000 hectares,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi said Midlands is expecting to start receiving inputs soon.
“We have done all the necessary paperwork and we are expecting to start receiving fuel for tillage anytime from now. We are also expecting seed, compound D and other inputs under the command and presidential input schemes so that we start preparations early.
“To those who use cattle for tillage, we are aware that our cattle are not getting enough pasture and are not in the right shape. So let’s check whether our cattle are fit for use that we till our land earlier. If not let’s avoid using them and wait until they get fresh pasture and they are ready for use, but to those who use tractors, the time to be tilling the land is now,” she said.
Online Reporter