Rainy season now on: MSD

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THIS year’s rainy season has officially started and farmers can consult their local Agritex officers to get information on planting for the summer crop, an official has said.

Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe head Public Weather Service Mr Tich Zinyemba said although the rainy season has started, if farmers were not sure and were not certain if they could start planting crops, they should consult with their local Agritex officers on the activities to be carried out.

“It should be noted firstly that the onset of any season is area specific, in other words the season starts differently in different areas of the country. The 2017/2018 rainfall season has commenced with some areas already having received significant rainfall amounts from 1 October 2017 to 14 November 2017,” he said.

Mr Zinyemba said it was also important to take into consideration the mean onset dates which shows that areas in the northern and central parts of the country receive effective rains mid to end of November while those in the southern and extreme northern parts will be end of November into December. However, some farmers are not sure if the rainy season has commenced and are not certain if they could start planting crops.

“The farmers need to consult with their local Agritex officers on the activities to be carried out. This will enable them to make informed decisions based on the micro-climate and other factors such as the soils, agronomic practices. The decisions should also take into consideration the 2017/2018 seasonal forecast,” he said.

Mr Zinyemba said farmers must utilise the moisture available to plant crops and do other activities.

“There is nothing outside the normal that is expected this season except that the rains and thunderstorms that come may be accompanied by hail, lightning, and damaging winds. Flooding (both flash and riverine) can also be expected during the course of the season. Thus the general public should always try to stay informed through our daily weather forecast and warnings when the need arises,” he said.

The country is expected to receive normal rainfall this 2017/2018 season.