The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has issued an urgent advisory for farmers
in light of the late start of the season. The season has begun slowly, with some areas yet to receive their first effective rains. However, the Ministry assures that all hope is not lost as we are still within the planting window for most crops.
Farmers are urged to plant immediately, employing good agronomic practices and considering short-season varieties. Those with irrigation facilities are advised to continue planting, and those with Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots and a water source, no matter how distant, are encouraged to bring 2 litres of water per planting station.
The Ministry advises farmers to be highly prepared so that as soon as effective rains are received, planting can commence immediately. Thereafter, farmers should pay utmost attention to management practices that will expedite crop establishment.
Farmers who have not yet purchased seed or who can afford to do so are advised to buy short-season varieties as the season has progressed. Farmers in hotter areas which receive sufficient rains for maize, such as Karoi, parts of Mt Darwin and part of Centenary, may still use some medium-season varieties due to the fast rate of growth. However, farmers in colder areas such as Rusape do not have this luxury because of the slow rate of growth.
Farmers in regions 4 and 5 are still encouraged to opt for traditional grains and short-season varieties of these, as they withstand drought much better than other cereals. Farmers are also encouraged to diversify into other crops such as groundnuts, cowpeas, sweet potatoes, and roundnuts to ensure a yield irrespective of the weather.
Farmers who had prepared fields early are advised to keep their land weed-free to give their crop an early start. Those practising conventional farming are encouraged to come in with light disking to destroy weeds before planting, and those doing Pfumvudza/Intwasa are encouraged to physically weed using hand hoes or use herbicides, informed by the weed spectrum.
When planting, farmers are encouraged to use the optimum seed rate or slightly more so that the crop quickly grows a canopy that intercepts as much light as possible. Farmers should adjust the seeding depth to the lower side of the range so that the seed can germinate quickly and establish itself faster.
As we are in December, incidences of pests such as African and Fall armyworm increase as their breeding season starts. Late planting means the breeding season coincides with the time when our crop is still young and easily attacked, hence farmers must up their pest and disease control, especially scouting, which may be increased to 3 times a week instead of the normal two.
Nutrient management is still key. Early application of nitrogen at around 2 weeks after germination will give our crop a boost in terms of vegetative growth. Livestock farmers are encouraged to ensure that they have at least a plot for fodder and also clean water for livestock.
Livestock farmers are further encouraged to ensure that they have at least a plot for fodder and also clean water for livestock. Dosing is a must if they have not yet done so, and dipping preparation must by now be in place if they have not yet done so.
Farmers must plant as much as possible as soon as we get planting rains. The time for planting is now.
The Ministry urges all farmers to heed this advisory to ensure a successful farming season despite the late start.