‘Apply top-dressing fertiliser to January crops’

AGRICULTURE experts have urged farmers to apply top-dressing fertiliser to all crops
that were planted in January 2023 as well as take protective measures against diseases in
order to boost yields.

As rains continue to pound most parts of the country, farmers are optimistic about a
good harvest this year. Government expects increased farm output to anchor economic
growth while trimming grain imports.

Enhancing food security is a priority and Zimbabwe has already surpassed the US$8,2
billion agriculture industry target that the country intended to achieve by 2025,
underpinned by the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

In an interview, the acting provincial director for Agricultural Rural Development and
Advisory Services in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, Mr Dumisani Nyoni, said the
good rains countrywide are expected to boost yields and urged farmers to take measures
that will ensure their crops thrive.

“I want to encourage all farmers that planted their crops in January this year to start
applying top dressing fertiliser, be it maize, sorghum, or finger millet,” he said.
“Farmers should take this time to utilise the current moisture and apply fertiliser to
boost their crops.
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“This will also boost their output come harvest time and we urge farmers to monitor
their crops, especially for the fall armyworm, which attacks crops at this stage.

“With great care, farmers can win against the fall armyworm and it is very important to
start looking for pesticides,” said Mr Nyoni.

He also urged farmers to look after crops that were planted at the start of the cropping
season until harvest time to ensure there are no losses.

Zimbabwe requires about 2,2 million tonnes of maize for human and livestock
consumption and this year targets three million tonnes, which will position the country
as a significant player in grain production in the region.

In Matabeleland North Province, 165 000 farmers received inputs under
Intwasa/Pfumvudza while 130 000 farmers in Matabeleland South benefited under the
programme.

Intwasa/Pfumvudza mode of farming
Intwasa is a concept aimed at climate-proofing agriculture by adopting conservation
farming techniques and involves the use of small plots and applying the correct
agronomic practices for higher returns.-The Chronicle