The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
PLANTING is in full throttle in Manicaland following the onset of the rains this week, with thousands of farmers who received inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which is part of the precision agriculture model being promoted by Government, expressing optimism for a successful agricultural season.
About 461 573 farmers benefited under the programme which is supporting production of maize, sorghum, pearl millet, soya beans, sunflower, groundnuts, vegetables and cow peas. Manicaland target to put 265 000 hectares under maize, 27 000ha under tobacco and 100 000ha under traditional grains.
Farmers are being encouraged to plant short to ultra-short season varieties, as soon as possible as the rains came late and the season will be short.
With agriculture deeply dependent on weather, regional weather and climate experts this seasons predicted an El Niño phenomenon that increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, and resultantly trigger negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts.
Regardless, some cyclones which are expected early next year may result in above-normal rainfall conditions in some parts of the country.
Manicaland started receiving beneficial rains at the end of last week, with all districts attaining field capacity to plant.
All seeds should be in the ground by end of December.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri told The Manica Post on Tuesday that farmers dependent on natural rainfall for their annual production have seven days to optimise their sowing schedule.
He said if planting takes place just before an unexpected dry period, the germinated seeds will die in the ground, and for farmers with limited financial resources, this means a complete yield loss.
“We have been anxiously waiting for the rains, and everyone is happy that the rains are finally here. We have been pushing and encouraging farmers to do land preparation. For those doing Pfumvudza/Intwasa, we have been encouraging them to prepare at least three plots because we knew the rains will be late, and will not be long, making the season very short and sharp.
“For those who had prepared their plots and fields, this is the time to plant, and we have the next seven days to finish planting. And once we plant, those practicing conservation agriculture — Pfumvudza/Intwasa and its tenets – should focus on mulching so that they have enough moisture to sustain the crop until the next rainfall period.
“Farmers should plant short season varieties and traditional grains, especially in Natural Regions Four and Five, to effectively utilise the short and sharp season that we are going to have,” he said.
He said the digging of the planting basins, mulching and clearing of weeds were part of a holistic and integrated process.
He said each process is as important as the next one, and this means that if one cuts corners on one of them, then all of them will fail, leading to allegations that the concept does not work, yet it works when all steps are followed religiously.
Professor Jiri challenged seed companies to produce seed varieties that are climate smart since climate change is now a reality and will be here for long period.
“We met with seed houses and encouraged them to produce varieties that are climate smart and appropriate for each agro-ecological region in the country.
Climate smart is the way to go, and we need short season varieties that are both high yielding and drought tolerant. Seed houses should produce climate smart varieties, and also desist from selling seed in agro-ecological region where it is not appropriate. For example in Region Four and Five, there is no point of even selling seed maize there because it is a recipe for disaster.
“We want them to exercise restraint and avoid getting into areas that are no longer suitable for particular varieties and crops. It is very important for them to understand that climate change is real and going to be with us for a very long time,” he said.
Professor Jiri said farmers should work closely with their local extension officers.
The Government has been hailed for pooling resources to support smallholder farmers’ 2023/24 season and distributing certified seed, fertilisers and chemicals on time.
Farmers in Makoni, Mutasa, Mutare, Chipinge, Nyanga and Chimanimani districts have received inputs under the Pfumvudza programme and are taking advantage of the local wet spell.
Makoni Rural District Council (MRDC) Ward 16 representative, Councillor Timothy Chingwende said they are happy that the rains came after they had received inputs under the Pfumvudza programme.
“This is the fifth consecutive day receiving rains. The rain has exceeded 40mm. We were given 10kgs of seed per head, with some families getting up to 50kg, depending on the number of beneficiaries.
“We were given the inputs at the end of October, but we are now planting due to the late rains. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for ensuring that we received inputs on time,” he said.
Cde Lucia Chitura, of Makoni West said farmers are busy on the fields following three days of moderate rains.
“People have started planting as the area is receiving moderate rainfall. Everyone in MakoniWest is very happy due to the work by the local legislator, Dr Jenfan Muswere. He has ensured that inputs reach every corner of the constituency free of charge. We are happy with the distribution of inputs, especially in view of the current wet spell.
“Our MP is also supporting us in many ways. He has given us some pigs to start a piggery projects over and above other forms of support,” she said.
