Zimpapers Logo

Elita Chikwati Senior Agriculture Reporter

Farmers with irrigation can take advantage of the recent rains and start planting their summer crops, while those relying on rain-fed agriculture should intensify land preparations, but still wait for sustained planting rains.

This came out on Tuesday during the Seed Co virtual symposium on summer season preparedness, which was attended by stakeholders, including agronomy and weather experts and Agritex officials.

Experts spoke about the importance of agronomic practices such as mulching, scouting and insect pest management, among other topics.

Meteorological Services Department agro-meteorologist Mr Benjamin Kwenda said farmers in areas that have received above 30mm of rain could start planting, but there was a risk of some dry periods later on.

“Based on the forecast, we are expecting something again over the weekend and then again afterwards,” he said. “As a result, those areas which have recorded rainfall amounts above 30mm can start planting, but with it being risky, as we might still get some dry periods later on.

“The encouragement will, therefore, be for farmers who are planting to at least not do all their targeted areas if they are big, in case there might be need to replant.

“However, for farmers planting in wetlands, they have to go ahead as planting later might mean their crops will be waterlogged and have reduced yields.”

Seed Co head of agronomy, Mrs Wendy Madzura, said farmers with irrigation could plant in October or early November.

“Farmers should also consider the crop’s number of days to maturity when deciding on when to plant,” she said. “Farmers can plant after receiving 30mm to 50mm. Some farmers are already at advanced stage of planting.”

Farmers were advised to choose the right seed and follow good agronomic practices to have high yields.

In an interview, Agritex Chief Agronomist Mrs Rutendo Nhongonhema said farmers should not just plant, but needed adequate knowledge on the onset of rains in their specific areas.

Mrs Nhongonhema said the onset of rains differed from area to area, and said those that have received between 25mm and 30mmm can plant if they have irrigation, as this will reduce costs of irrigating.

“The optimum planting date for those with irrigation is October 21,” she said.

“Those who do not have irrigation should take advantage of the moisture to wrap up Pfumvudza plots preparations or conventional land preparation.”

The Meteorological Services Department said thunderstorms with hail and rain showers occurred across the country on Monday, culminating in noteworthy rainfalls of 48mm in Belvedere, 41mm Bindura, 40mm Mvurwi, 38mm Henderson, 30mm Guruve, 22mm Gokwe and 18mm Chinhoyi.