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Mthabisi Tshuma, Sunday News Correspondent
YOUNG farmers have been urged to focus on early maturity drought-resistant crop varieties and small grains to improve their yields as the country is facing erratic rains.
In September last year the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD) released its seasonal annual rainfall forecast for the 2019/2020 rainfall season and for the second phase that covers January to March 2020, it predicted rains to be normal with a bias towards below normal.
In a telephone interview, Apex Council for Youth in Agriculture chairman Mr John Muchenje said young farmers should plant crops which will not lead them to a loss.
“As the council representing young farmers, we are kindly urging them to plant drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet.
“This will go a long way in ensuring they stay in the game and do not incur losses looking at the fact that this year’s season might be another drought,” said Mr Muchenje.
He said the Government should assist young farmers with equipment so they could utilise their land.
Mr Muchenje also urged the Government to prioritise in investing centre pivot irrigation and in resuscitating irrigation schemes as the drought continues to worsen.
“The resuscitation of irrigation schemes will also go a long way in ensuring the country retains its status of being the food security hub of Southern Africa,” he said.
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