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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
Agricultural experts have urged farmers to adequately prepare for irrigation mechanisms, intensify water harvesting, conserving and protecting wetlands to mitigate the effects of climate change this season.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted erratic and low rainfall patterns this year because of El Nino conditions which are expected to affect southern Africa as a result of climate change.
Zimbabwe and other southern African nations will face the realities of climate change in the coming summer cropping season.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said it was time for farmers to face the reality of climate change adding that it was critical to create water bodies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
It was also critical to plant seed varieties that endured unfavourable climatic conditions.
“Water bodies such as dams and are critical because irrigation is a critical component in mitigating effects of climate change. Climate change is there, but collective efforts from all stakeholders is needed to sustain growth,’’ he said.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said farmers should prepare stock feed and food as well as maintain good agronomic practices.
“It is critical for farmers to follow good agronomic practices. Water should not be wasted. Traditional grains should also be prioritised because they are drought resistant. Farmers should look out for fall armyworm because the conditions may be conducive for breeding,’’ he said.
Dr Makombe said farmers should reduce their livestock by selling some animals so that they could purchase enough food for their families.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust Mrs Depinah Nkomo said irrigation was the important element adding that staggering planting was also critical.
In a move to promote traditional grain production in the country, the Government has increased the area under the crop to 700 000ha in the next summer cropping season as a measure to contain the effects of drought.
This season farmers produced 300 000 tonnes of traditional grains from around 640 000ha.
As a strategy to boost the production of traditional grains, the Government has directed farmers in regions 4 and 5 to grow traditional grains only.
Recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera said there was a need to eliminate poverty, hunger, malnutrition to improve livelihoods through the promotion of climate smart agriculture technologies.
“We need top climate proof agriculture through the promotion of traditional grains. In our summer planning, we have declared that regions 4 and 5 we are growing only traditional grains for the coming season,’’ he said.
Zimbabwe expects to receive normal to below normal rainfall with parts of the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces getting below normal rains for the beginning of the 2023/24 planting season, according to a preliminary weather forecast.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry recently said the bulk of Matabeleland North, parts of Midlands covering Gokwe North and South districts, parts of Matabeleland South province covering Bulilima district will receive below normal to normal rainfall for the sub-season October-November-December.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) issued the statement at a National Climate Outlook Forum (NACOF), a platform where stakeholders across climate sensitive sectors discuss the implications of the expected seasonal rainfall outlook for planning purposes.
Online Reporter