2,3m hectares under crops so far

FARMERS have so far planted 2,3 million hectares of crops despite the late start to the season and the expected rains mean that harvests will meet food security needs and generate exports along with more income for farmers and growing rural wealth.

Farmers are expected to finish planting this week and come very close to the 2,6 million hectares planted by this time last season.

Most farmers are now having hope of producing a good harvest following heavy rains that are continuing across the country.

The El Nino induced drought phenomenon predicted by the Meteorological Services Department showed its signs in October to November where most farmers failed to plant crops because of the dry spell which affected most parts of the country with the rains finally arriving late last month.

Major crops like maize are currently at 1 349 152ha which is 76 percent of the target 2million ha but farmers have planted 305 618ha of Sorghum from a target of 350 000ha.

In an interview, Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Acting Director of Crop Production

Leonard Munamati said they are in the process of finalising data on the area planted adding that there is probability of achieving higher hectarage compared to the last season.

“The results are good because there is great uptake of traditional grain in region three, four and five. More hectarage will be achieved this season following various programmes implemented by the Government to boost production.

“The season is short because we failed to receive rainfall on time but I’m sure we can produce a meaningful harvest. There is also high uptake of Pfumvudza programme this season because farmers have doubled the hectarage compared to last season,” he said.

Mr Munamati has encouraged farmers to follow good agronomic practices and make sure that the first five weeks the crop is weed-free.

Farmers are encouraged to scout for pests especially the fall armyworm in the early morning hours and towards the late hours of the evening.

He also recommended farmers to apply top dressing fertilisers using split application to avoid leaching.

Farmers are optimistic that the rains will improve productivity levels. ◆ Full story on www.herald.co.zw