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CHIPINGE farmers are worried over the dry spell that the country is currently experiencing although they are still optimistic that this year will be fruitful as the south-eastern town is famed for its agricultural prowess.
However, most farmers are starting to worry as the first rains are yet to fall with the majority of farmers still to plant for this summer season unlike previous years.
In previous years farmers by now would have already had crops such as maize ready for harvest in areas receiving high rainfall while in the lowveld, they would not have had any.
The district consists of all five natural regions, but so far all farmers are still waiting for the first down- pours for them to start early planting.
The Manica Post has learnt that some of the farmers have already planted maize in dry farms in their respective areas which is a method normally used in arid areas where rainfall received is low.
In an interview with farmers last week, farmers expressed mixed reactions on how they will prepare for this summer planting season. Most of the farmers said they are now adjusting to late planting due to climate change which the world is experiencing.
Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union Chipinge district chairperson Mr James Gabaza is optimistic that there is more time for all farmers in the district to plant.
He said farmers should learn the seasonal changes that the district is experiencing and try to adjust to these changes.
“Yes although we are worried by late rainfall this year we are still optimistic that we can harvest high yields even if we plant late. From my on understanding and the experience we now have, dates for the planting season have now moved forward hence farmers should be patient enough and adjust to these conditions. It is important for farmers to stick to the varieties that are encouraged to plant in their areas. We have also learnt one major problem of poor yields in the district and inappropriate seed maize varieties which farmers are still sticking to, with most of the farmers still growing outdated varieties which cannot match the new climate conditions,” he said
Other interviewed farmers in areas receiving high rainfall such as Chipinge urban, Ngaone, Mt Selinda and Jersey, said they are now practising dry planting, a method borrowed from dry areas.
Mr Painos Zamazama said this method of planting maize is usually practised in dry areas and it has gained much popularity this year.
“We have already planted maize in our dry farms which is very risky since we don’t know when we are going to receive the rains. Although we have received late rainfall this year, we hope when rains come, our maize will germinate and grow fast under this method. We still hope that we can receive high yields like the previous years despite late planting,” he said.
An irrigation farmer, Mr Agrripa Mapungwana, said they have maize ready for harvest but they are worried about maize harvested without receiving rain water.
“I think our yields will be affected if our maize crop does not receive rain at this stage. Our maize crops in our irrigation farms were good but high temperature is now a threat to the attainment of better yields,” he added.
Met department earlier issued a statement that the country will have normal to above rains this year.
Online Reporter