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Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
EXPERTS have urged farmers to choose early maturing crop varieties and wrap up planting and take advantage of the favourable heat units available up to April or May, depending on their different geographical locations.
This call comes against the backdrop of the Government setting a target to increase cereal production to 3 274 200 tonnes from last season’s 744 271.
The Crops, Horticulture, Fisheries and Livestock (CLAFA 2) summer plan for 2024/25 indicates that overall production volumes of major crops are expected to increase by 347 percent, from 914 848 tonnes to 4 093 700 this season.
Agriculture expert and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) board chair, Mr Ivan Craig hinted that a good harvest was likely for most crops due to rains falling in many parts of the country since late last year to date.
“We are still in the middle of the season, wherein some areas have good heat units right up to April/May. For maize, we encourage farmers to plant ultra-early, very early and early maturing varieties for good harvests,” he said.
Mr Craig said farmers can also plant medium varieties, which are on the boundary with early maturing varieties.
The recent rains that fell in most parts of the country brought relief to farmers whose crops were affected by an extended dry period since the onset of the rainfall season.
While some of the early-planted crops are promising, others have reached a permanent wilting point with some experiencing retarded growth, thus affecting potential yield and quality.
“Planting of the maize crop must not extend beyond the first two weeks of January for it to perform to its maximum potential, in view of the delays experienced in establishing the crop.
“The normal to above-normal weather forecast by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) for the second half of the season anchors farmers’ hopes for a bumper harvest,” he continued.
The ARDA board chair urged farmers to intensify planting of traditional grains, sunflower, sweet potato, cowpeas, cassava, butternuts and pumpkins.
Mr Craig called on farmers to keep their fields weed-free through mechanical, manual and chemical control methods.
Weeds can cause 50 percent yield losses especially in the first six weeks of crop establishment and farmers can implement an integrated weed management plan by employing chemical, physical and biological control measures.
“Farmers must scout for pests like African and Fall Armyworm and report to Agritex extension officials for swift control,” he said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development chief agronomist, Ms Rutendo Nhongonhema concurred saying farmers should speed up planting and adopt good agricultural practices (GAP) for better yields.
“Those farmers who recorded poor germination percentages should make an informed decision to replant or gap fill. This is a technical decision to make in consultation with extension workers on the ground,” she said.
Ms Nhongonhema also encouraged farmers to apply GAP to speed up germination and subsequent crop growth.
Particular attention must be placed on the depth of planting, with shallow planting recommended to speed up germination, she said.
Pest build-up in most crop enterprises occurs between mid-December and the end of January. This coupled with late planting, means the crop is still tender and vulnerable to pest attacks.
“Robust scouting for pests is essential for all farmers, especially for Fall armyworm (FAW). Farmers must scout at least twice a week to detect FAW early. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to control,” she added.
Online Reporter