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Samuel Kadungure Agriculture Reporter
THE high temperatures which are being experienced in Manicaland have brought anguish among thousands of farmers that had planted the summer crop as they are resigned to watching helplessly the tender crop wilting due to moisture stress.
The lean period has also negatively affected the water levels of most farm dams and major rivers in Manicaland putting even the irrigated crop at risk.
Farmers with irrigated crop are failing to complete scheduled irrigation cycles due to fast dwindling water levels.
The tricky situation has left both the irrigated tobacco and staple maize looking miserable and wilting in the scorching heat that has brazenly blighted Manicaland in the past two weeks.
This has raised strong fears among farmers that should the hot weather continues, the cereal crop may never reach maturity.
Agritex says farmers also fear that they risk accruing huge loses as they may be forced to replant when it eventually rains.
Decreased rainfall and rising temperatures have thrown many farmers in Manicaland into confusion as the rain unpredictability was making it difficult for them to plan properly.
Climate change experts are placing the blame for the changing weather patterns on the increasing amount of gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane and nitrogen – commonly referred to as greenhouse gases – are causing the earth to heat up.
The severity impact this on food self-sufficiency was being felt at household, and fears abound that the food shortages, in turn, might deteriorate into a famine and a humanitarian disaster. Despite erratic rainfall, farmers have continued to follow traditional planting seasons.
This has increased their frustration as crops wilt from lack of rain.
Agritex head for Manicaland Mr Godfrey Mamhare on Wednesday said Manicaland was extremely dry having last received moderate rains, which gave farmers hope to plant, three weeks ago.
Even in Makoni, Odzi, Mutare, Mutasa, Nyanga and Chipinge which are the hubs of the staple maize production in Manicaland, the situation is dire.
In Buhera and the Low-veld areas, which are perennially dry as they lie in the rain shadow, livestock was dying indiscriminately due to grazing pastures and water shortages.
“The situation is bad and the crops really need some rains to be rejuvenated.
“The crop is still tender, but its health is being compromised by the weather extremities. The situation is worsening with each increase in hot weather condition,” said Mr Mamhare.
The Meteorological Services Department last week predicted that low-lying areas will record extreme temperatures of between 33 to 42 degrees Celsius.
“The Met Dept wishes to advise members of the public in the following areas Matabeleland South, Masvingo, much of Midlands, Manicaland and most of Mashonaland provinces its forecast that daytime high temperatures will affect these areas during the period December 3 to December 9,” reads part of the statement.
“These temperatures are expected to range between 33 to 42 degrees Celsius and are linked to hot and dry winds blowing from warmer regions near the Equator. The temps are however expected to reduce in Mat North as a clod system is affecting those areas.
“It is important to note that a combination of this moisture and the heat can trigger violent thunder-showers that may be accompanied by hail and strong winds” said the MSD.
Mr Mamhare said there has not been uniformity in the rainfall patterns throughout the province and those wishing to continue planting must “dry plant”.
Online Reporter