Renewed hope as crop situation improves

THE rains received countrywide over the last few weeks have significantly improved the condition of crops, especially maize, raising hopes of a good harvest in some areas.

Most crops were adversely affected by moisture stress because of the prolonged dry spell experienced between November and mid-December due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

However, in the past fortnight, persistent rains have helped crops recover.

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) acting director of crop production Mr Leonard Munamati said: “All districts have received significant amounts of rain. This has improved the condition of the early planted crops — those planted in October or November.”

He urged farmers to use the wet spell to

“apply top-dressing fertiliser” using the split application principle.

Split application involves applying small amounts of fertiliser to a single crop at different times, approximately three weeks or more apart, in order to improve nutrient uptake efficiency.

This will ensure the crop is not damaged during a dry spell. At the same time, the method reduces loss of fertiliser if there is leaching following excessive rains.

“In short, the season can be described as delayed, short and sharp, but considering the current crop’s good condition, we can still remain food-secure.”

According to Mr Munamati, crops grown under the climate-proofed Pfumvudza/ Intwasa scheme remain the best hope for a successful season.

“Despite the dry spell, most crops grown using the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model were still looking good and withstanding high temperatures experienced, in contrast to some dryland crops that had temporarily wilted . . . The rains and the scheme have inspired more farmers to increase the area planted,” added Mr Munamati.

Close to 3,9 million households have signed up for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme.

According to the latest Weekly Advisory Report by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, 3 858 650 households have prepared at least one Pfumvudza plot each.

The total number of plots prepared stood at 11 035 495, covering 688 615 hectares.

The authorities have been emphasising that farmers must plant seed varieties that are specific to their agro-ecological regions.

AARDS director of training and information Mr Sibangilizwe Dlodlo said agricultural extension officers were working closely with farmers to promote good agronomic practices.

“We established 35 000 farmer field schools, where every agricultural extension officer conducts training weekly. Now, the training focus is on agronomic practices that should be followed by farmers, from planting up to crop maturity,” said Mr Dlodlo.

For good yields, he said, farmers should stick to short-season varieties in natural regions one and two, where a crop’s maturity can be reached in less than 120 days.

“In natural regions three, four and five, farmers had to plant short-season traditional grain crops that mature early and are drought-resistant. Early scouting for the fall armyworm is key to ensuring no grain is lost in the field,” added Mr Dlodlo.

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