Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata-Herald Correspondent
FARMERS must intensify field scouting and promptly report pest outbreaks as the country’s summer cropping season reaches its peak under favourable rainfall conditions, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking in Harare recently, Chief Director in the Directorate of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi, warned that pests such as fall armyworm, African armyworm and locusts posed a serious threat to crops if not detected and controlled early.
“With the good rains we are receiving, crops are looking promising, but this also creates conditions for pests to thrive,” said Mrs Magwenzi.
“Farmers must be vigilant in scouting their fields and quickly report any outbreaks to officers from the ministry. The chemicals are readily available and response teams are on standby.
“We are simply waiting for reports so that control measures are implemented immediately to protect yields.”
Mrs Magwenzi said delayed reporting of pests often results in widespread crop damage, undermining the gains made from the favourable rainfall outlook.
She also expressed concern over increasing cases of water-logging in crop fields following persistent rains across most parts of the country, noting that poor field drainage was already affecting crop health.
“As we assess crops around the country, we are seeing fields where water has no way to leave. The land is flat, there are no drainages, and crops are turning yellow. If this continues, plants will eventually die,” she said.
Farmers were advised to take immediate corrective action by constructing drainages, ridges and other water diversion channels to allow excess water to flow away from crops.
In some areas, crops have been washed away entirely because water was trapped in the field and, with force, ended up carrying plants to the edge of the field.
“That is a complete loss which can be avoided,” Mrs Magwenzi said.
She added that drainage systems should not only be addressed as a reaction to heavy rains, but planned proactively, particularly during the winter season when land preparation is ideal.
“Winter is the best time to put in proper drainages. If we are proactive, we can prevent most of these problems during the rainy season,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi further urged farmers to consistently apply recommended agronomic practices as guided by Agriculture Business Advisory Officers, saying this was key to achieving optimum yields.
“Farmers must continue to follow technical advice from our extension officers to maximise production. This is critical for enhancing food and nutrition security at both household and national levels,” she said.
