adminMarvelous Moyo and Leonard Ncube, Chronicle Reporters
FARMERS in drought-prone Matabeleland region have been urged to grow early maturing varieties of small grains this farming season to improve food security.
Speaking at a meeting organised by Environment Africa and attended by Gwanda Rural District councillors, the district agricultural extension (Agritex) officer Ben Mashologwana said as low rainfalls were expected, farmers should adopt the growing of small grains to avoid food shortages in the district.
He said while maize seemed to be the most preferred crop among most farmers, growing it would not yield positive results due to poor rains.
“Our mandate is to ensure there is enough food at household level in the district, therefore we are calling upon farmers to buy early maturing varieties of small grain seed like sorghum, pearl millet, cow peas and ground nuts among others.
“What happened in the 2013/14 season was just an accident as most farmers had good harvests of the maize crop. However, this farming season, farmers should avoid growing maize because indications are that we won’t have a good season,” said Mashologwana.
He said there was a need for farmers in the drought prone Gwanda district to shift focus and concentrate on drought-tolerant crops so that they harvest something despite the low rainfall.
Mashologwana encouraged farmers to plant manageable areas to avoid losses, diversify crop planting and also practise intercropping.
“We encourage farmers to use local seed to avoid any complications. If farmers have relatives outside the country wishing to help them in their farming activities, let them send money home so that farmers acquire locally available seed,” Mashologwana said.
He said farmers should employ water harvesting techniques to ensure every raindrop was utilised.
West Nicholson senior wildlife officer Christine Ndlovu said wild animals were also not spared from the negative effects of climate change and villagers need to be on the alert especially during the farming season as some animals would encroach into their areas in search of food and water.
She however warned villagers against killing animals, even the smallest such as a hare, as it was illegal saying they should make reports to responsible authorities.
Meanwhile, the agronomist responsible for Matabeleland North Province Davison Masendeke said although the rainfall pattern was yet to cover all parts of the country, those who have received in excess of between 15 mm and 20 mm should start planting.
“We have had rainfall here and there and we can in fact say the rainy season has started. Our advice is that those who have received between 15mm and 25mm can start planting depending on the type of soil in their area,” said Masendeke.
He said the rainy season for the drought prone Matabeleland North Province was a bit late and advised farmers to consider small grains that are resistant to drought and mature early.
“Usually rains start late in the province and we encourage farmers to prioritise small grains while those who would want to grow maize should choose ultra early and early maturity varieties,” Masendeke said.
“Farmers should also stagger their crops. They can plant the first crops now and stop for about two weeks before they plant another batch so they are ready for the dry spell,” said the agronomist.
He also said it was imperative for farmers to practise conservation farming to conserve moisture.
The Meteorological Services Department encouraged farmers to grow small grains as the country expects to receive poor rains due to prevalence of El Nino.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Minister Joseph Made recently urged farmers to diversify their activities to safeguard livelihoods and the economy.
Online Reporter