NEW: Farmers urged to plant as rains return

Theseus Shambare

As the three-week sun break has come to an end, Zimbabwe is bracing for heavy rains which were expected to start on Sunday.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast normal to above-normal rainfall over the next month, bringing much-needed relief to farmers who have endured a challenging October-November-December (OND) period marked by extreme heat and erratic rainfall.

The recent dry spell had raised concerns about a potential drought, similar to the severe conditions that have recently afflicted Southern Africa.

However, the latest weather forecasts have eased these fears, with substantial rainfall predicted nationwide.

“We would like to call on our farmers not to panic,” said Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“We got a report from the Met Department indicating that good rains are forecast. So we hope for a good season.”

He said farmers are advised to prioritise short-season maize varieties and traditional grains to mitigate the risks associated with a potentially shorter rainfall season.

“This strategic approach will help ensure optimal crop yields, even under challenging climatic conditions,” said Prof Jiri.

With the return of the rains, hopes are high that Zimbabwe will overcome the challenges of the past few months and secure a bountiful harvest.

Government remains optimistic about achieving the targeted grain output of 3.3 million tonnes this season.