dyton mupawaenda
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
Crops and livestock are in good condition following the rains that were received across Zimbabwe, although in some areas the maize and tobacco crop is now showing signs of moisture stress.
Reaping of tobacco is underway in preparation of the marketing season which is set on March 13 for auction floors while the contract tobacco sales will commence the following day.
Livestock condition continued to improve with improved grazing, both in quality and availability.
The strong stress this year on dipping and other tick controls has seen cattle disease levels fall.
The recent rains have also led to the filling up and spilling of more dams, including Antelope, Valley, Mbembeswane (in Matabeleland South), Shurugwi (Midlands) and Arcadia in Mashonaland Central. Other spilling dams include Muzwhi, Masembura, Chivero, Insukamini, Claw and Ngondoma.
This week the Meteorological Service Department indicated that there are some areas that have recorded substantial rainfall amounts of 45mm and 44mm at Makuti in Hurungwe District and Kariba respectively.
Karoi also received 22mm while Centenary had 20mm.
Recently Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said while water levels in the dams continued improving, the need to conserve water still remained and water users across the board should continue using water sparingly and efficiently so that there was enough water for irrigation when the rains die back, especially for the winter crops and the start of the next summer season.
Farmers are expecting more good rains to complement programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa Conservation Scheme, Zunde Ramambo and the National Enhanced Crop Productivity Scheme (Command Agriculture).
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) acting director for crop production Mr Leonard Munamati said crop condition is fair to good following some isolated showers being received in various parts of the country in the past few days.
He said the bulk of the crop (85 percent) is at vegetative stage and 10-15 percent is from early flowering to physiological maturity adding that good agronomic practices need to be taken into consideration.
“Scout for pests and diseases more frequently, at least 2 to 3 times per week. When they see signs of fall armyworm, they must control by spraying early morning or towards evening. Control weeds either physically through weeding or through use of herbicides. Farmers should read and understand instructions or seek guidance from the nearest Agritex officer before use of any herbicide. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients and moisture. Apply top dressing fertiliser when there is adequate moisture in the soil. We recommend split applications. Mulch their Pfumvudza plots to conserve moisture,” he said.
Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Mashonaland West director, Mrs Evelyn Ndoro, said areas in the Southern part of the province which include Chegutu, Sanyati and Ngezi need more rains since crops are showing signs of moisture stress adding that the rains are not evenly distributed.
“Areas such as Makonde, Hurungwe and Zvimba have received good rains and the crop condition is good although more rains are still needed. The irrigated crop is also good,” she said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Veterinary Director Dr Thokozani Mswela indicated that livestock condition has greatly improved adding that the majority have gained weight because of the abundance of pastures.
Dr Mswela said January disease is threatening the province adding that 32 cases have been reported in the province.
He said the disease outbreak occurred in areas such as Makonde and Mhangura
“We have vaccinated around 700 cattle in areas under Raffingora in Zvimba North. The situation is under control. We are urging farmers to do 5-5-4 dipping regime to eradicate the disease. Of the 32 cases we received, 11 deaths were recorded,’’ he said.
Mashonaland Central Acting Provincial Director Mr Misheck Chitokomere said moisture stress is correcting affecting crops in the province adding that the crop needs more rains to grow well although the current condition is not bad.
“The dry spell we are currently experiencing is affecting the early planted crop because it is now at reproductive stage. It still needs more rains. Livestock is in good condition with abundance of grazing. No major disease outbreaks experienced so far,” he said.
Farmers are optimistic of a meaningful harvest if they get decent rains to increase growth.
Mr Taurai Mangwiro of Makonde indicated that the progress shown so far by farmers signifies that a good harvest is upon the country adding that if farmers get rains on time there is high probability of good yield.
“The crop is not bad. If we get meaningful rains twice we can assure you that we can achieve a good yield. We are getting rain here and there. Crop condition is good and there is no doubt that we can achieve a good harvest,’’he said.
Ms Netsai Mudimu of the same area said the majority planted their crops late this season adding that the crops are still in the early stages of growth.
“For the irrigated crop there is no problem but for the late planted crop, we need more rains. So far the situation is not bad and we are anticipating a decent harvest if we continue receiving rains,’’ she said.
A total area of 2 401 884ha has been planted to various crops. Of this, 1 406 999ha planted under maize compared to 1 466 022ha planted last year while 520 800ha planted under traditional grains, 253 821ha under groundnuts, 110 000ha under tobacco and the rest under soyabean, sugarbeans, sweet potatoes, African peas, sunflower, round nuts and other crops and collection of information on actual area planted is still in progress.
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