Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE crop situation in the Midlands Province is promising following recent widespread rainfall, with farmers expressing optimism for a successful 2024/25 summer cropping season.
According to Government, the country has achieved 99 percent of its maize planting target for the season, with over 1,2 million hectares planted. The condition of planted crops is reported to be generally good across the country. The first round of the Crop, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment report, set to be presented to Cabinet soon, is expected to confirm this positive outlook.
Data compiled by the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) last week indicates that this year’s planted maize crop has surpassed last season’s figure of 1,2 million hectares, with several provinces exceeding their targets. Farmers are increasingly embracing traditional grains like sorghum, pearl millet, and rapoko, further strengthening the nation’s food security through drought-tolerant crops.
In an interview, Midlands provincial director of ARDAS, Ms Busiso Olga Mavankeni, said the recent rains have significantly improved crop condition and renewed hopes for a good harvest, provided the rains continue until March.
“The crop situation in the Midlands Province is looking positive due to widespread rainfall. Farmers are optimistic about a successful harvest for the 2024/25 summer cropping season with a majority of crops at the early reproductive and late reproductive stages,” she said.
Ms Mavankeni provided a breakdown of crop progress, saying about 15 percent of irrigated maize has matured, while five percent of dry-land maize is at the early vegetative stage. She noted that 25 percent is at the early reproductive stage, with 55 percent at the late reproductive stage. For traditional grains, 80 percent are at the late reproductive stage.
Regarding cotton, she said 50 percent is at the early reproductive stage and the other 50 percent at the late reproductive stage. Meanwhile, for tobacco, 95 percent is at the topping stage, with the remaining five percent at maturity for irrigated crops.
“Generally, the crops are in good condition and we are happy as a province with the efforts being put in by farmers to make sure that their crops do well this summer cropping season,” said Ms Mavankeni.
Meanwhile, farmers have expressed optimism, citing improved crop conditions due to the recent rainfall.
Gweru urban farmer, Mr Fortunate Chiokoyo, said his maize crop has reached the late reproductive stage and is nearing harvest.
“Within days, I will be harvesting mealie cobs from my field. The recent rains have been a huge relief, and I am confident that this year I won’t need to buy mealie-meal from the shops,” he said.
Ms Nomatter Nyoni said despite the late start to the season, she is pleased with the progress of her small grains.
“Some farmers are already eating fresh maize cobs from their fields, while others have begun applying fertiliser to their maize crops, hoping the rains will continue,” she said.
