Heavy rains hit farmers

FARMERS were left counting losses following recent rains that washed away fertilisers, herbicides and planted crops in Mashonaland West.

James Mbombo a farmer from Porter farm in Karoi said he had to re-apply fertilisers and herbicides after the heavy rainfall.

“Am out of budget, recent rains washed away fertilisers and herbicides from my fields forcing me to re-apply both,” Mbombo said.

“Prices for fertilisers went up recently and for me to re-apply both chemicals is a financial burden.”

Another farmer in Rafingora, Thomas Chigora, said the rains washed away half of his planted crops.

Zimbabwe Young Farmers and Fisheries Association president Cephas Shonhiwa confirmed the damage caused by the rains in the province.

“Despite this, we keep encouraging farmers to re-apply the chemicals for better harvest,” Shonhiwa said.

“We know fertilisers and herbicides are expensive, but we encourage those who were affected to re-apply both chemicals to all their crops.”—