Andrew
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has launched a planting blitz aimed at ensuring farmers plant their crops on time, as over 10 000 tonnes of maize seed – accounting for 80 percent of the targeted seed distribution – has so far reached farmers.
Through the programme, which is running under the theme “Handei kumunda varimi/Asihambeni emasimini balimi”, farmers are urged to plant as soon as they receive effective rains.
The blitz comes as only 12 798 hectares of the targeted two million hectares of maize under Pfumvudza/Intwasa have been planted as at November 24, which is less than 1 percent.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail Online that nearly 10 000 tonnes of seed had been delivered to farmers.
“After we had played our part in making sure the seed gets to farmers on time before the effective rains, we realised that there is a need for a blitz to encourage our farmers to plant,” said Professor Jiri.
“Farmers need to speed up planting so that they utilise the rains they received.
“We are using all media outlets and extension officers to make sure the word reaches every farmer that this is the right time to plant.”
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the rains that have been received for the past weeks signal the onset of the rainy season.
There is, however, a possibility of flash flooding in some areas such as Muzarabani and Mbire districts of Mashonaland Central.
Online Reporter