Idai: Farmers count losses

An aerial view of flooded parts of Manicaland Province in the wake of Cyclone Idai which has dashed farmers’ hopes

Most farmers in Manicaland Province were left empty-handed after Cyclone Idai destroyed all the expected and stored harvest.

Tropical Cyclone Idai hit Manicaland on Friday evening, killing people, damaging property, crops and livestock in the process.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) Manicaland chairperson Dr Claudio Mtuwa said the little harvest they were expecting and their stored harvest had been destroyed.

“Stored harvest has been destroyed completely, as little as 35 percent which was expected as the likely harvest is gone and about 60 percent of fruit trees are still intact although newly established plantations are the most affected,” he said.

“Most farmers in these areas are engaged in subsistence farming of maize which had suffered due to drought. The commercial farmers are engaged in fruit plantations, typically macadamia, bananas, tea and horticulture, which is mainly under irrigation.

“There are very little livestock ventures at commercial level except subsistence in the affected areas.

There is need for our farmers to be educated on the seriousness of such weather phenomenon and institute an element of preparedness to minimise loss or damage to property and human life.

“Government needs to be commended for availing financial support which will go a long way in rehabilitation at family and community level.’’

Dr Mtuwa appealed to well-wishers for donations to affected farmers so that they can carry on with their farming projects.

“Lastly, I wish to launch # 50:meaning an appeal for a donation of 50kg from other farmers countrywide, be it maize, rice, sugar beans and ground-nuts for distribution to these farmers once they have returned home as this should then carry them up to the next harvest,” he said.

“Modalities will involve depositing these at Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot countrywide although I am still to discuss with GMB authorities. Generally, on behalf of the ZCFU I wish to thank all the well-wishers for the tremendous support they have or are continuing to give our farmers.”