Take weather forecasts seriously, farmers urged

Locadia Mavhudzi Herald Correspondent
Farmers should take daily weather forecasts seriously if they are to get good yields, Midlands provincial crop and livestock officer Mrs Madeline Magwenzi has said. Mrs Magwenzi said meteorological forecast information gives farmers a guide on rainfall and temperature activity in their areas.

“Meteorological forecast information is very important for a farmer because the climate is changing,” she said. “Farmers should not stick to their traditional knowledge on seasonal patterns because the seasons are also changing.” Mrs Magwenzi encouraged farmers to choose suitable seed varieties in line with their climatic regions.

“It is very critical for farmers in dry areas to select early maturing seed varieties, so as to avoid losses when the rains are gone,” she said. The Meterological Services Department seasonal rainfall forecast for 2017-2018 has predicted that December rains will be dependable for agricultural activities. Normal to below normal rainfall is expected in the period October to December, while normal to above normal rainfall will be expected in the period between January and March.