Online Reporter
Doris Mpala
Agriculture Correspondent
The heavy rains that are expected across the country between Tuesday and Thursday could bring both risks and benefits to farmers as the summer cropping season approaches, Agriculture Expert Mr Ivan Craig has said.
The rains are expected to be accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Mr Craig said the rains, which are expected to exceed 30 millimetres, could cause temporary damage to crops such as tobacco and wheat, but farmers could minimise losses through proper management.
For tobacco farmers, Mr Craig said possible hail could damage the lower leaves of the young crop, although the plants were still capable of recovering.
“If there are a few stones dropping here and there, they might damage the few bottom leaves. But looking at the age of the tobacco, it is still a young crop and should be able to recover. It will not be a total loss,” he said.
He urged farmers to use the experience as a lesson and strengthen measures to protect crops against extreme weather as the season progresses.
“If your wheat is ready to harvest and it rains, it softens the straw and might cause a bit of lodging. Farmers should be patient and wait for the wheat to dry before harvesting,” he said.
He said farmers could use hay forks to lift lodged wheat and allow combine harvesters to collect the crop, while wheat that was still approaching physiological maturity could benefit from the additional moisture.
“Make sure you have a safe place to put all your livestock, whether goats, sheep, donkeys or cattle. Tall trees attract lightning, so livestock should be kept away from them,” he said.
He also warned people against seeking shelter under trees, urging them to move indoors or under proper sheds during heavy rains and thunderstorms.
“If hail damages vegetable leaves, farmers can consider harvesting the damaged leaves, drying them and selling them later as dried vegetables. That is a way of adding value,” he said.
Mr Craig said the rains also presented an opportunity for farmers to begin land preparation because softened soils would reduce the costs associated with tillage.
“Those farmers who think Pfumvudza is difficult to dig, especially on new plots, now have an opportunity because the ground will be softened, making it easier to prepare the planting basins,” he said.
Mr Craig said the rains would also help reduce veld fires, replenish rivers, dams and groundwater, and stimulate the growth of fresh grazing for livestock.
He, however, urged farmers to drain or utilise stagnant water in swampy areas to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies, which can affect both people and livestock.
“To me, these rains have a huge advantage to our farmers and the nation as we prepare for the summer season. We should embrace them and take as much advantage as possible to our benefit,” he said.
