Farmers advised to wait for effective rains to plant

AGRICULTURE experts have cautioned against planting with the current rains, advising farmers to start planting when the country receives enough rainfall to support germination.

Chief director for Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services, Professor Obert Jiri, said the department will inform the farmers to start planting when there was enough moisture in the soil.

Prof Jiri disputed the information circulating on social media telling farmers to plant within 15 days, saying people will be informed to plant when the time came.

“If we receive enough rainfall, we will inform farmers to plant,” he said. “We do not encourage farmers to plant, but to wait for us to inform them.

“If we receive enough rains you can start planting.”

At the moment, there is not enough moisture in the soil since the country is experiencing isolated light showers.

Recently, the department gave a forecast showing that the country should have normal to above normal rainfall during this summer cropping season although there were chances of normal-to-below normal rainfall in regions 1 and 2 in the very early stages of the season.

In its latest forecast published early this week, the Meteorological Services Department said there would be isolated light showers in areas along the main watershed namely Kadoma, Harare and Mutoko, adding that the same moisture would bring cloudy, windy and mild situations in Matabeleland South, southern parts of Midlands, Masvingo and southern parts of Manicaland with drizzle in places.

According to the department, thundershowers were expected in Matabeleland South into Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands and Matabeleland North.

Farmers unions officials who spoke to The Herald said planting was inevitable if the country received adequate moisture.

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said farmers should wait for enough rains that would ensure effective germination.

“Most areas do not receive enough rains, most have received showers,” she said.

“Let’s wait for enough rainfall to plant, but for Pfumvudza, farmers can plant because they can water the holes to secure moisture.”

Zimbabwe National Farmers Union vice president Mr Edward Dune said areas between Rusape and Macheke had received enough rainfall measuring around 30mm, adding that farmers in those areas could plant.

“Areas between Rusape and Macheke have received enough moisture for planting,” he said.

“This week planting can start in such areas since they have enough moisture. I advise farmers to measure rainfall so that they know when to start planting.”