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Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
RAINS continued yesterday across the country, with some places receiving more than 20mm, one of the conditions farmers need before they start planting.
In the preliminary weeks of the season, there have been light thundershowers and yesterday in the north-eastern parts of the country, Chibero received 30mm, Chivhu 22mm, Rusape 21mm, Hwedza 20mm, and Henderson 12mm.
Today, isolated thundershowers in the afternoon are expected in the northern half of the country.
The Met Department has recently indicated that meaningful rains or normal to above normal rains are only likely from this month, giving farmers time to fully prepare.
The department has advised farmers to consult their local extension officers for advice on farming preparations, including what to plant and the water requirements for specific plant stages.
Currently, farmers are escalating land preparations, while others with supplementary irrigation available might be planting depending on the moisture content.
Farmers are urged to plant if they receive sufficient moisture in their region.
In both urban and rural areas there is a hive of activity in the fields.
The livestock situation is also improving as drinking water and grazing are now starting to appear in most parts of the country.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said all is in place to ensure a successful season adding that farmers can plant if they receive sufficient moisture.
“Land preparation is going on well so far. More than 14 285 tractors and 305 combine harvesters are available in the country for use this season.
“The season is upon us so farmers who have received sufficient moisture can plant. Distribution of inputs in all districts is now taking place.
“This season movement of Pfumvudza inputs of seed and fertiliser to farmers has improved with 45 percent of the targeted basal dressing fertiliser having been delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots,” he said.
Prof Jiri said it was time to wrap up winter harvesting so that farmers start concentrating on the summer season preparations. He urged farmers to take precautionary measures to avoid being struck by lightning by avoiding working in an open field during a storm and moving cattle to higher ground in the event of flash floods.
Prof Jiri said farmers should intensify dipping at this stage to avoid tick-borne diseases that manifest during this time of the season.
This year, contracting of farmers is under the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority ( ARDA) and Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA) schemes.
This season farming is funded through the full range of public and private arrangements, development partners support and public private partnership arrangements.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe recently said if farmers receive sufficient moisture, they can plant, but they should work with extension officers who will guide them.
“It is critical to seek advice from extension officers and the Meteorological Services Department so that they will guide you. There is a possibility of attaining a good harvest following a good rain forecast. Not all areas have received enough moisture.”
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said land preparation is in progress.
“Small-scale farmers are on the ground. The improving rains signify good hope. Farmers take advantage of the rains to continue doing land preparations,” he said.
The Government is targeting a cereal production of over 3,2 million tonnes to ensure national food and nutrition security as well as ensuring farmers grow enough for their own family sustenance with some left over for sale.
Online Reporter