Mat’land farmers not deterred by looming El Nino effects

MATABELELAND farmers have not been deterred by looming El Nino effects as summer cropping preparations have begun in earnest with seed houses delivering inputs to various stockists.

Agronomists say crop selection will be critical and are encouraging farmers to grow short-season variety crops.

Weather experts have predicted that most parts of the country will receive normal to below-normal rainfall due to the El Nino effects with southern parts of the country expected to receive the lowest rains.

As a result, farmers have been encouraged to start rolling out land preparatory works ahead of the forthcoming summer cropping season. The Government has said the digging of Pvumvudza/Intwasa plots is a prerequisite for those who will benefit from the free inputs distribution programme.

According to the 2023/2024 rainfall season forecast report, the bulk of Matabeleland North, parts of Midlands covering Gokwe North and South districts, and parts of Matabeleland South province covering Bulilima District are expected to receive below-normal-to-normal rainfall, while normal rainfall with a bias towards below normal rainfall is highly likely for the remaining provinces for the sub-season October-November-December 2023.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union national vice president, Mr Winstone Babbage said farmers are ready for the season with Climate Smart Agriculture practice already in place.

“Seed houses have started delivering to stockists. The weather department has predicted a drought season this year so we are now promoting Climate Smart Agriculture practice, which will see the Presidential input scheme through Pfumvudza going a long way in enhancing production for small scale farmers.

“The recently introduced mechanisms scheme through AFC will assist us,” said Mr Babbage.

Mr Winstone Babbage

Following the projections for low rainfall, agronomists have advised farmers to adopt conservation farming models and to mainstream the planting of traditional grains that can withstand drought.

Zimbabwe has already adopted Government climate-proofing methods to guarantee national food security including the construction of dams and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes to cushion the country from the impact of low rainfall.

At the household level, the Government introduced Pfumvudza/Intwasa, which supports nearly three million households countrywide.

The household climate-proofing programme has seen smaller-holder farmers improving yields despite erratic rains.

The successful implementation of agricultural transformation programmes has enabled Zimbabwe to increase its food production and as such the country has stopped importing maize and wheat.

Ministry of Lands Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary, Dr John Basera said the 2023/24 seasonal outlook report is now available and a ‘below normal’ rainfall season is projected and is likely to hit the sector hard.

“As we reflect long and hard on this, we are expected to come up with appropriate early actions, early responses through customised agriculture extension messaging and implementing robust mitigatory measures.

He said as the country gears for the 2023/24 season, focus should be Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation through a Quick Fix Irrigation programme, religious adoption of Pfumvudza/Intwasa tenets.

Added to that, promoting on-farm feed formulations with climate smart fodder options will be critical and every available irrigable square inch of land should be cultivated.

Dr Basera added that promoting and intensifying in-field water and moisture harvesting is vital as every drop must be conserved.

In a recent interview, Agricultural Advisory Services agronomist Ms Zenzele Ndlovu said: “As the season ahead of us is anticipated to have low rainfall, farmers are advised to embrace farming practices that conserve moisture, reduce runoff at the same time promoting/enhancing infiltration”

“Farmers are encouraged to practice Intwasa/Pfumvudza which gives them the stated benefit and this will ensure they harvest amid the low rains anticipated.”

She encouraged Matabeleland farmers to focus more on growing traditional grains which are drought tolerant.

Another agronomist from Syngenta, Ms Annette Mtetwa said adaptability to climate change should be a priority.

She said temperatures are rising with each consecutive year and that requires farmers to be more prepared for out of the ordinary conditions such as the anticipated low rainfall patterns.

Dry land due to low rainfall

“It is possible for farmers to improve their harvest during a low rainfall season, considering that they can use drought-resistant crops, improve soil moisture retention and use irrigation.”

She also said farmers should adjust planting dates to take advantage of the available moisture.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water and Rural Development’s report on the country’s state of preparedness for the 2023/24 season indicates that this year’s focus was on increased productivity with the target areas for the major crops meant to grow 10 percent.-chronicle