Prospects of good agric season remain high
CROPS and livestock are in good condition following the rains that were received across Zimbabwe, although in some areas the maize and tobacco crop is now showing signs of moisture stress.
Reaping of tobacco is underway in preparation of the marketing season which is set on March 13 for auction floors while the contract tobacco sales will commence the following day.
Livestock condition continued to improve with improved grazing, both in quality and availability.
The strong stress this year on dipping and other tick controls has seen cattle disease levels fall.
The recent rains have also led to the filling up and spilling of more dams, including Antelope, Valley, Mbembeswane (in Matabeleland South), Shurugwi (Midlands) and Arcadia in Mashonaland Central. Other spilling dams include Muzwhi, Masembura, Chivero, Insukamini, Claw and Ngondoma.
This week the Meteorological Service Department indicated that there are some areas that have recorded substantial rainfall amounts of 45mm and 44mm at Makuti in Hurungwe District and Kariba respectively.
Karoi also received 22mm while Centenary had 20mm.
Recently Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said while water levels in the dams continued improving, the need to conserve water still remained and water users across the board should continue using water sparingly and efficiently so that there was enough water for irrigation when the rains die back, especially for the winter crops and the start of the next summer season.
Farmers are expecting more good rains to complement programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa Conservation Scheme, Zunde Ramambo and the National Enhanced Crop Productivity Scheme (Command Agriculture).
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) acting director for crop production Mr Leonard Munamati said crop condition is fair to good following some isolated showers being received in various parts of the country in the past few days.
He said the bulk of the crop (85 percent) is at vegetative stage and 10-15 percent is from early flowering to physiological maturity adding that good agronomic practices need to be taken into consideration.
“Scout for pests and diseases more frequently, at least 2 to 3 times per week. When they see signs of fall armyworm, they must control by spraying early morning or towards evening. Control weeds either physically through weeding or through use of herbicides. Farmers should read and understand instructions or seek guidance from the nearest Agritex officer before use of any herbicide. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients and moisture. Apply top dressing fertiliser when there is adequate moisture in the soil. We recommend split applications. Mulch their Pfumvudza plots to conserve moisture,” he said.
Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Mashonaland West director, Mrs Evelyn Ndoro, said areas in the Southern part of the province which include Chegutu, Sanyati and Ngezi need more rains since crops are showing signs of moisture stress adding that the rains are not evenly distributed.
“Areas such as Makonde, Hurungwe and Zvimba have received good rains and the crop condition is good although more rains are still needed. The irrigated crop is also good,” she said.
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