Normal to above normal rain expected:

FARMERS with access to irrigation water can start planting now given the prevailing moisture availability, suitable temperature thresholds and an anticipated early start of the rainfall season, meteorological experts have said.

This was revealed by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in its 2016-2017 rainfall season outlook which also predicted a good rainy season which could start as early as two weeks from now in the low veld.

As such, farmers who rely on rains in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and southern districts of Manicaland provinces have been urged to have all their inputs in place by the end of this month so as to plant early.

For the rest of the country the season may begin end of October.

“There is a high likelihood of an early start of the season for the whole country, with significant rains as early as late September 2016 in the southern areas of the Zimbabwe,” said MSD principal meteorologist, Ms Vimbai Mamombe.

“In view of the moisture availability and suitable temperature thresholds, those with water should not wait for the main rains to fall. They can plant any time now.”

And coming from the difficult El Nino-induced drought, experts say emphasis should be placed on early planting since rains may subside between November and December for Regions I and II.

According to the outlook, after normal to above normal rains for the whole country between October and December 2016, the weather may gravitate to drier conditions between November and December for Regions I and II.

The trend will persist for Region II between December 2016 and January 2017 while Region III may enjoy a good season as it is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall for the first half of the season.

According to MSD this implies that: “Inputs, including small grains, should be distributed by the end of September 2016 in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and southern districts of Manicaland and by the end of October for the rest of the country.”

Also, as part of preparations for the early season experts say incentives for maize production in support for Command Agriculture should be announced as soon as possible, rather than wait until the middle of the season.

And mindful that many communal farmers lost cattle during the 201516 drought, stifling animal-drawn ploughing capability, experts say there is need to allocate some tractors and associated implements to the farmers.

This has increased pressure on Gov- ernment and farmers as they are left racing against time to beat the early start of the season and capitalise on the good season.

Indications are that many farmers do not yet have adequate funds and inputs to commence cropping.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Mr Wonder Chabikwa, said despite indications that

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