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the province and control is in progress.
Midlands had planted 13 578ha, a decrease from last season’s 77 000ha, Matabeleland North 10 298ha compared to 13 861ha last year, Matabeleland South 19 240ha compared to last year’s 19 468ha.
Manicaland Province recorded an increase in hectarage with 58 015ha, up from last season’s 54 147ha.
Planting of major crops and distribution of inputs is still in progress.
Masvingo registered an increase from last year’s 26 141ha to 27 415ha with the planting of major crops still in progress.
Agritex has indicated that 130 944 ha of sorghum and other small grains have been planted, compared to 136 131ha planted during the same period last year.
The planting of pearl millet began on a slow note due to the late onset of the rains, but increased rapidly from December 10 after most areas received significant rains.
Cotton planting also decreased from last season.
A total of 45 000 hectares have been planted, compared to 107 727ha planted last season, soybeans 5 079ha compared to 13 674ha, and tobacco 39 393ha, compared to 43 545.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made said although there has been an uneven season, experts were not yet speaking of drought.
The Meteorological Services Department predicted a normal to below normal season during the first half of the rainy season (October, November and December).
Minister Made said the first half of the season determined the physiological growth of a crop.
More rains in the second half of the season will not be of much benefit to crop development.
Online Reporter