adminA number of farmers and some agricultural experts have been lobbying Government to allow the production of genetically modified crops as they give high yields with low production costs.
However, a Pannar assistant agronomist, Mr Edwin Juma, on Monday said high yields were a combination of different factors.
Speaking at the Harare Agricultural Show, Mr Juma said some local crop varieties had the potential of high yields of up to 10 tonnes although many farmers were averaging five tonnes to eight tonnes per hectare.
“Farmers should aim to produce high yields per unit area than spread resources over a large area, which at the end of the season does not give good results. It is important to produce a manageable area according to the available resources,” he said.
He said high yields were a combination of good seed and good management practices.
The practices include:
lusing certified seed from renowned agro dealers.
- carrying out land preparations timely.
- planting on time usually with the first rains.
- use herbicides for weed control.
- apply correctly adequate fertilisers on time.
- should have correct placement of fertilisers.
- should carry out soil tests and analysis to know the exact soil pH (acidity or alkalinity) levels.
- control pests
- harvest on time to avoid field losses.
Mr Jimu said ammonium nitrate for top dressing can be split applied.
“The first top dressing should be done 3 – 4 weeks after planting while the second one may follow eight weeks after planting.”
He said split application was ideal for lighter soils although farmers could apply once in heavy soils.
Mr Jimu also encouraged farmers to work hand in hand with experts for advice on operations.
Online Reporter