Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporters
A HIGH-pressure system hovering over the south-eastern coast of South Africa has brought an unusually prolonged period of cold weather to parts of Zimbabwe, raising fears of frost damage to crops and prompting agricultural experts to urge farmers to take preventive measures.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said the cold conditions, which have gripped much of the country over the past few days, are expected to ease by tomorrow.
Although Zimbabwe experiences winter cold spells every year, meteorologists say the current conditions are unusual because of their duration.
MSD acting deputy director Mr Baba Maketa said the cold weather is being driven by a high-pressure system over South Africa that is pushing cold, moist air into Zimbabwe.
“Technically, it is a high-pressure system over the south-eastern coasts of South Africa that drives cold, moist air into Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Maketa said such systems normally last between three and four days and occur in cycles.
“This usually lasts for three to four days and they come in cycles. The current system will mean an extended period of cold weather, which is not very common in Zimbabwe, but it should be over by Monday,” he said.
“We should expect low early morning temperatures from 5am to 6am because of the clearing off of clouds.”
Mr Maketa said today marks the winter solstice, an astronomical event that occurs annually between June 20 and 21 and signals the beginning of the coldest period of the year.
“This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun is the furthest away from the southern hemisphere and it happens every year between 20 and 21 June. This day is the shortest day of the year and we tend to receive very little sunshine during the day and we should expect the day to be cold because there is little radiation taking place,” he said.
The cold spell has caused anxiety among farmers, particularly those growing winter wheat and horticultural crops, as frost can significantly reduce yields if crops are not adequately protected.
Midlands Provincial Director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Ms Busiso Olga Mavankeni, said farmers in frost-prone areas such as Gweru, Mvuma, Shurugwi and Chirumhanzu should remain vigilant.
“Frost has historically affected parts of the Midlands during winter and can severely damage sensitive crops. Although wheat is a winter crop, frost can cause damage during sensitive growth stages such as booting, heading and flowering,” she said.
Ms Mavankeni urged farmers to maintain adequate soil moisture through timely irrigation, saying moist soils retain more heat than dry soils.
“Crops approaching flowering need close monitoring as this stage is most vulnerable to frost injury,” she said.
Ms Mavankeni also stressed the importance of proper nutrition, particularly nitrogen management. She said the timing of top-dressing is crucial for maintaining vigorous crop growth.
“Farmers should scout fields regularly for signs of frost damage such as bleached leaves, burnt leaf tips or damaged heads and report any significant damage to Agritex officers in their areas for technical guidance and assessment,” she said.
Ms Mavankeni urged farmers to take crop insurance to cushion themselves against losses arising from adverse weather conditions.
While wheat is vulnerable at certain growth stages, horticultural crops are even more susceptible to frost damage.
“Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, potatoes, butternuts and other warm-season vegetables are particularly vulnerable,” said Ms Mavankeni.
She advised farmers to monitor temperatures at their farms and irrigate lightly in the late afternoon and early morning when frost is anticipated.
“Applying mulch around plants helps to conserve soil warmth, while plastic tunnels, greenhouses or shade nets can provide effective protective coverings,” she said.
For smallholder farmers, Ms Mavankeni said controlled smoke from burning organic matter such as cow dung, grass or rubber tyres during the coldest hours of the night may help reduce frost formation.
She advised farmers in frost-prone areas to delay planting frost-sensitive crops until temperatures begin to rise and instead prioritise winter-hardy crops such as cabbage, spinach, peas, carrots, beetroot, cauliflower and broccoli.
“Farmers are encouraged to closely monitor weather forecasts and take preventive action before frost occurs rather than responding after damage has been done,” she said.
“Healthy, well-managed crops can withstand cold conditions better than stressed crops. Early intervention can significantly reduce losses and safeguard yields. Protecting crops from frost is not a one-day activity but a continuous management practice throughout the cold season.”
Farmers who have lived through previous cold spells said experience has taught them how to minimise losses.
Mr Cain Ncube, a farmer from Umguza District, said they have adopted traditional methods to protect crops from frost.
“During winter, we water plants early in the morning and apply cow dung to protect them. Crops such as king onions, carrots and beetroot are not easily affected by frost and usually survive the cold conditions,” he said.
ARDAS Provincial Director for Matabeleland South, Mrs Shupikai Sibanda, urged farmers to closely follow weather forecasts and take precautionary measures.
She said farmers in Matobo and other frost-prone areas should be particularly alert as low temperatures are common during winter.
“For farmers who have horticultural crops, we advise them to burn cow dung and other organic matter so that they counter frost settling on the leaves of their crops. I also urge farmers to water their crops early in the morning to fight frost,” said Mrs Sibanda.
“With winter expected to persist for several more weeks, vigilance and early intervention remain the best defence against frost damage.”
