Elita Chikwati and Theseus Shambare
FARMERS have planted more than 2,4 million hectares of summer crops, significantly more than last year, raising expectations that the envisaged harvests next year will consolidate the country’s food security and boost rural incomes.
Crops and livestock are reported to be in generally good condition.
However, there are fears of leaching in some areas that received excessive amounts of rainfall.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail that the Government is “doing all it takes” to ensure that the country is food secure.
“The condition of both crops and livestock is very good because of the rains,” Prof Jiri said.
“The target is to plant 100 percent maize and sorghum by Wednesday to ensure they grow during conducive and ideal time for best harvests. We are not turning back. The idea is to make Zimbabwe food secure. We are doing all it takes to achieve this.”
He said planting of key crops was currently underway in all provinces.
A target of 1,8 million hectares was set for maize by the Government.
According to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS)’s December 23 report, the maize hectarage stood at 1 504 066 hectares, representing 84 percent of the target, while sorghum had reached 436 481 hectares, or 87 percent.
Pearl millet planting stood at 226 186 hectares (82 percent), while cotton was at 96 262 hectares (36 percent).
Other crops planted include soyabean, sunflower, groundnuts and roundnuts.
Overall, 2 452 355 ha have been put under summer crops so far.
“As of December 19, a total of 1 504 066 ha of maize, 436 481 ha of sorghum, 226 186 ha of pearl millet, 33 705 ha of soyabean, 42 119 ha of sunflower and 96 262 ha of cotton have been planted across the country,” read the report.
“The total tobacco area transplanted was 113 536 ha, compared to 93 281ha planted at the same time last year. 24 415ha of tobacco is under irrigation, while 89 121 ha is under dryland, compared to 73 537ha of tobacco transplanted under dryland at the same time last year.”
During the same period, 9 161 tonnes of maize seed, 3 925 tonnes of sorghum seed, 403 tonnes of pearl millet seed, 30 068 tonnes of Compound D and 26 233 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser had been delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots under the Presidential Inputs Programme.
Better than last year
ARDAS chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said implementation of the summer plan was largely on course, with notable improvements compared to the same period last season.
She also said Pfumvudza/Intwasa preparations covered about 996 820 hectares through nearly 15,9 million plots, reinforcing household food security across communal areas.
Any shortfalls in groundnut and soyabean seed, she added, would be addressed through imports, while statutory measures now allow duty-free importation of top-dressing fertilisers.
As a result of the current rains, national dam levels had risen to 73,6 percent, a development expected to sustain irrigation and provide adequate water for livestock and domestic use.
However, surveillance for migratory pests such as fall armyworm and locusts was presently ongoing, with no outbreaks detected so far.
In Matabeleland South, ARDAS provincial director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said effective rains had been received across all districts, with planting targets surpassed in major crops.
“Maize is at 96 percent, sorghum at 107 percent and pearl millet at 96 percent, giving an average planting of 98 percent,” she said.
“The crop condition is good, with most crops at early to late vegetative stages.”
In Matabeleland North, ARDAS provincial director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said livestock conditions were “very good”, while the veld was “exceptionally good”, although farmers were urged to remain alert to possible flooding.
The situation is the same in Mashonaland Central, where ARDAS director Mr Misheck Chitokomere said overall crop performance was encouraging, despite some border areas receiving late rains.
“In those ecological regions, we always encourage farmers to prioritise small grains,” he said.
On high alert
Farmers have been urged to use the current rains to recharge soil moisture, especially in conservation systems like Pfumvudza/Intwasa.
“Conduct planting, fertiliser and pesticide applications early morning before afternoon thunderstorms. This reduces the risk of wash off and soil compaction,” the ministry said in its latest update.
“Ensure that water harvesting structures, such as contour ridges and micro dams, are functional to capture rainfall for later use …
“The humid and warm conditions are favourable for fungal diseases such as grey leaf spot and pest outbreaks. Apply fungicides or appropriate treatments during drier morning hours to maximise efficacy. African armyworm moth trap catches of more than 20 moths were reported in Chiendambuya (Manicaland). Close monitoring of the area is ongoing. Surveillance of locusts and African armyworm is ongoing in all provinces. Fall armyworm incidences were reported in the early crop and advice was given to rotate the chemicals to avoid resistance of the pest …”
Migratory pest control teams are, however, understood to be ready to respond to potential outbreaks.
The latest update also indicates that grazing conditions and forage quality are good and abundant due to the rains received in most parts of the country.
Livestock water availability is adequate across most areas and has improved following widespread rains received nationwide.
Borehole drilling, rehabilitation and construction of water troughs at livestock drought mitigation centres and village business units are ongoing.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said the rains had brought both positive and negative developments.
“Crops are in good condition, except for some areas where maize has started showing signs of leaching. Rains are good as they improve pastures and increase underground water,” he said.
“In areas where rains are causing leaching, farmers should take mitigatory measures to reduce the negative effects of the rains. This is where split application of fertilisers comes in.
“Farmers should also drain the fields either through contours, ridges or drains. It is also important that farmers harvest the water for future use.”
Dr Makombe urged farmers to take care of their animals to reduce losses from tick-borne diseases.
He also advised farmers to be on the lookout for cattle rustlers who may take advantage of vegetation to steal livestock.
“Farmers should increase dipping intervals. Dipping is a must and not an option. Farmers should dip at least twice a week,” he said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said crops were in good condition, although in some areas farmers were having challenges with top-dressing application due to waterlogging.
“We want the rains for our crops and livestock, but, unfortunately, there is waterlogging in some areas. Farmers should be careful when applying top-dressing to ensure the nutrients are not washed away by the heavy rains,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tobacco Farmers union Trust president Mr Edward Dune said the season had started well, with some farmers already harvesting irrigated tobacco, although persistent rains were posing weed-management challenges.
Authorities say continued rains, improved dam levels, timely planting and sustained farmer support have positioned the country for a potentially good harvest.
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