Rutendo Nyeve
THE Government has warned farmers in Natural Regions IV and V against planting long-season maize varieties, saying the crop faces a high risk of failure in areas prone to low and erratic rainfall, particularly during an El Niño season.
The warning was issued by the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, who urged farmers to plant crops suited to their local climatic conditions.
Natural Regions IV and V cover large parts of Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo, the Midlands and southern Manicaland. The areas receive low and often erratic rainfall, with Region V among the driest parts of the country.
Long-season maize varieties can take 140 days or more to mature and require sustained moisture, making them risky in areas where prolonged dry spells are common.
“In Natural Regions IV and V, long-season maize is a gamble even in a good year. In an El Niño year, it is a likely loss. These regions already receive less rain than the rest of the country, and the rain that does fall is often erratic. A drier season makes that risk much greater.
“Long-season maize needs steady moisture for months and suffers badly when a dry spell hits at the wrong time. Traditional grains are the way to go. They tolerate heat and dry spells, mature with less water, and have fed families in these regions for generations. Plant to your region, not to habit,” said Prof Jiri.
The warning comes as Zimbabwe and the wider southern African region face the possibility of another El Niño, a climate phenomenon that can be associated with below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
Farmers in the affected regions have previously suffered crop losses after planting late or choosing varieties that require more moisture than local conditions can provide.
Government has encouraged farmers to consider traditional grains such as sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, which are better adapted to dry conditions.
Farmers have also been urged to consult agricultural extension officers for guidance on crop and variety selection before planting.
