Agic officials optimistic despite dry spell

Government officials in Mashonaland West have expressed optimism of better yields from the agricultural season following a prolonged dry spell that has been experienced since last month.

Agritex, however, is warning farmers to be aware of pests that pose the greatest threat to yields.

In an interview recently, acting provincial Agritex officer Mrs Siyena Makaza said there is need for farmers to continue scouting their fields for pests.

This, she said, would help in safeguarding yields, especially maize.

“We are encouraging farmers to keep on scouting and controlling pests, especially the fall armyworm,” said Mrs Makaza. “It affects the growth of maize at all stages. They eat tassels and silk on the cobs mainly at this stage.

“The pest is there to stay and it affects all stages of the crop’s development, so our farmers should remain vigilant. Failure to protect the crops would lead to losses later.”

Mrs Makaza said plants require top dressing fertilisers, but a proper assessment of conditions should be made before application to avoid damage to crops.

“The crops now demand top dressing and generally supplies have been improving especially for those under Command Agriculture. Farmers have received top dressing but in some cases it came late,” she said.

“For fertilisers to work they need some moisture, so rain is desperately needed in some areas. Crops are generally in a fair condition but rains are needed.”

Mrs Makaza said the crop situation could deteriorate to levels which might compromise yields if the dry spell persists.

“State of the crop has not reached an alarming state although farmers desperately need the rains because if we experience prolonged dry spells at this stage, yields might be compromised,” she said.

“There are signs of temporary wilting in some wards which have experienced a long dry spell of up to 30 days and showers from a few days ago could not compensate the for dry period.”

Mrs Makaza said no crops had been written off so far following prolonged dry spells in some parts of Sanyati, Zvimba, Hurungwe, Chegutu and Makonde.

The situation was, however, different for the tobacco crop which is generally regarded as good with prospects for better yields.

Sorghum, cotton, finger millet – which are drought tolerant – were also in a good condition.