malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
FARMERS can maximise yields through good agronomic practices as the country aims to achieve food security in the face of El Niño season, the Government has said in a statement.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development through the Farmer Advisory report urged farmers to speed up planting.
“Good agronomic practices are key. These include good and early weed control, effective pest control, soil fertility management and correct plant population.
“The season is going to be rather short, considering the late start of the season and thus farmers should ensure that they grow crops which thrive in their agro-ecological region,” read part of the statement.
Farmers, the Ministry said, are encouraged to make use of the available moisture and speed up planting.
“Each farmer should have the required three plots under Pfumvudza/Intwasa which should be mulched to reduce runoff and conserve moisture,” added the statement.
Farmers have also been encouraged to plant early and ultra-early varieties which take less time to reach physiological maturity considering the predicted short season.
For the past five days, the country has been characterised by heavy downpours with significant amounts of rainfall of 100mm and above having been received in most districts
Weather experts have predicted that the wet spell is to continue and farmers are encouraged to take advantage to speed up planting.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu