Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
WITH good rains in most parts of the country and the national planting programme gathering momentum, more than one million hectares have already been planted under maize.
The Government has intensified field monitoring to assess crop establishment and agronomic practices on the ground.
On Saturday, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri took the crop assessment to Bindura District, at Simona Farm, owned by Bindura South Member of Parliament, Cde Remigious Matangira.
The farm has put 122 hectares under maize, with 62 hectares already at the tasselling stage, as a result of early planting supported initially by supplementary irrigation before the onset of the rainy season.
Simona Farm manager, Mr Fanuel Tumbureru, said the maize was planted by October 25.
“Early planting has positioned us for a good yield,” he said, urging fellow farmers to strictly follow recommended agronomic practices as advised by agricultural business advisory officers to enhance productivity and overall output.
Commending the progress, Prof Jiri said early planting remains a decisive factor in securing high yields.
“Here we are seeing early planted maize, and this is exactly what we want,” he said.
He explained that early planting gives crops a critical advantage by accelerating the accumulation of heat units, which ultimately translates into the higher yields being targeted by the Second Republic.
“Beyond planting, farmers must pay attention to plant population and sound agronomic practices, weed control, timely fertiliser application and effective pest management, which will carry the day in terms of yield,” said Prof Jiri.
He urged farmers who are still planting to finish without delay, while those with established crops should intensify field management.
“At this stage, we encourage farmers to finish planting where they are late, expedite weed control, and remain vigilant on pests through continuous scouting and surveillance,” he said.
Providing an update, Mashonaland Central Provincial Agricultural Director Mr Misheck Chitokomere said planting was at an advanced stage, supported by improved rainfall.
“The province has received an average of 108 millimetres of rainfall so far, compared to 88mm during the same period last year,” he said.
