The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
AGRONOMISTS are encouraging farmers to sharpen their crop production strategies by planting on time, practicing good crop management and taking heed of weather patterns in order to consolidate on the good prospects of the 2020/21 season.
Cognisant of changes in seasonal cycle, rainfall and weather patterns, agronomists have said farmers in areas prone to long dry spells must adjust to drought-resistant and short duration crops, while those in high potential areas should select the best seed varieties and stick to recommended plant populations to achieve good yields.
Over the years, Zimbabwe’s climate has been changing, with frequent droughts and flash floods experienced.
The start of the rainy season has drifted from October to between end of November and early December, thereby making it crucial for farmers to follow weather forecasts and plant appropriate seed varieties.
Crop pests and diseases have also thrown farmers in a quandary.
According to a rainfall forecast recently released by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), normal to above normal rains are expected this season.
Agriseeds agronomist, Mr Craig Irvine said farmers who manage their crops properly will attain maximum yields this season.
“In farming, the profit comes from the yield. Different seed varieties have different potential yields, some can give you between seven and 10 tonnes per hectare. Farmers should know their ecological regions and select seed varieties that give them the maximum potential yield because it is pointless to select a seed variety that gives you seven tonnes in a region with a maximum potential yield of 10 tonnes.
“Given the good rains, it is best to choose seed varieties that thrive well in each area to compensate for the potential yield. To achieve maximum yield, you need to plant on time, and attached to this is having the right plant population for specific ecological regions.
“High potential areas should have between 50 000 to 59 000 plants per hectare, medium potential areas (46 000) and marginal areas (36 000). This will assist the crops to perform to their maximum potential without competing for sunlight, nutrients, air and water,” said Mr Irvine.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Mr Paul Zakaria said since agricultural production is hinged on weather and climate conditions, farmers, researchers and agronomists must be seized with daily, seasonal, and annual variations of the crop responses and survival.
Mr Zakaria said farmers should not plant blindly, but in accordance with advice from agronomists and weather experts.
“There is a lot of excitement as the rains are a lot better than those received during the previous seasons. Some areas have already received record rains and all things being equal, we should have a very good season.
“Agriculture is all about timing and knowing the planting window. If you delay planting, you are losing out on the yield daily. Then after the crop germinates, crop management becomes crucial – knowing when and how to apply fertilisers and herbicides. No farmer should be working alone because they will lose invaluable information. Farmers need to have close contact with agronomists to ensure good crop management,” said Mr Zakaria.
He said farmers in drier and low-lying areas like Buhera, the Lowveld, Chisumbanje and some parts of Nyanga should not experiment with maize as it is unsuitable for these areas. He said traditional grains that are tolerant to extreme weather conditions will yield better harvests in these areas.
Mr Clemence Mucharedzeyi, Seedco sales and marketing agronomist, said the 2020/21 season has started well, amid expectations of a bumper harvest.
“Timeous planting enhances the yield. The first half is critical for the vegetative growth of the crop and may benefit those who grew the ultra early, very early and early maturing varieties which have fewer maturing days.
“Farmers should apply basal fertiliser at the planting stage. The X-application of fertiliser will not benefit the crop because the basal fertiliser has to be under the roots. The crop will not benefit from the basal and will not develop big roots and stamina for a big fruit. Farmers must apply Compound D at planting and Ammonium Nitrate at top-dressing,” said Mr Mucharedzeyi.
The X-application process is when farmers mix Compound D and Ammonium Nitrate and then apply it.
He also said when the crop germinates, farmers should begin routine scouting for the fall armyworm, especially at three weeks.
“Application of herbicides and pesticides has a negative and positive impact on the crops, depending on how it is applied. Farmers should keep the field weed-free, particularly during the first six weeks of crop establishment,” said Mr Mucharedzeyi.
He said chemicals are pest and crop specific, hence farmers, if not sure, must consult agronomists.
