MOST parts of the country have been receiving rains from Saturday much to the delight of farmers who were eager to get the 2014/2015 cropping season underway.
Rainfall, being the major determinant of the agricultural production patterns, signalled the start of the planting process for farmers who did not dry plant
Unlike farmers who irrigate tobacco who started planting in September, cereal and small grain farmers wait for the rains to start planting.
Most crops are planted in November and December at the beginning of the rains and harvested between April and June. Given the varying rainfall distribution in the past seasons, some farmers are sceptical to start planting with the first rains.
Agronomist Ivan Craig urged farmers not to panic, but start planting.
“It is important that farmers keep records of the amount of rainfall received in their area so far as this helps them determine whether they should start planting,” he said.
“Knowing the amount of rainfall received ensures that the farmer plants when the adequate amount that facilitates germination has been received.”
The average amount of rainfall that facilitates germination for maize is 22 millimetres (mm) and 30 mm for soya beans.
In the absence of a rain gauge to measure rainfall levels, Craig said farmers could use approved practical ways of testing.
“There are methods farmers can use such as hand moulding soil taken from the fields, when the farmer opens their hand and the soil ball remains intact it means rainfall is adequate,” he said.
“If the ball does not hold together it means the water is inadequate and this method applies to sandy and heavy soils.
“Another method which is the least recommended is for the farmer to, after the rains, check if the water flows off the ground.
“This method requires someone who is well versed in the soils of the area as water flowing off the ground may be as a result that the soils have been hardened by the heat and the water does not sink.”
Craig said having ensured that adequate water has been received; farmers should not waste time, but start planting.
“A good farmer is expected to have finished land preparation and ready to plant as once the planting season starts a day lost results in the loss of 50 kilogramme (kg) of maize per hectare of the expected yield,” he said.
“Late planting negatively affects the expected yield hence we encourage farmers not to fall behind the farming calendar.”
To maximise on yields, Craig encouraged farmers to use seed varieties and fertilisers that are suitable for their regions.
“The country has five natural regions with different rainfall patterns hence it is key for farmers to know in which region their farm is located,” he said.
“Those in high yield potential regions should use medium to long seed varieties and a higher application rate for fertiliser should be used.
“Those in medium yield potential regions should use short to medium seed varieties while those in low yield potential areas are encouraged to grow drought tolerant crops such as millet and sorghum.”
Farmers in low yield potential areas opting to grow maize should use ultra early to very early maize seed varieties.
Particular attention should be paid on the planting process if the farmer wants to maximise on production.
“Those with large farms are encouraged to plant using a planter as it cuts on labour costs,” said Craig.
“Small scale farmers can use the traditional methods of planting with hands however, it is important they apply fertiliser first, cover with soil and then put the seed last and cover with soil.
“By so doing, when the seed germinates its roots will be near the fertiliser and it promotes growth unlike when the fertiliser is placed on top of the seed.”
Craig said plant population per hectare should be higher in high yield potential regions and should be reduced in low yield potential regions.
“If the rainfall distribution is fair and farmers adhere to the basic farming techniques, there potential for higher yields this season,” he said.
The country requires two million metric tonnes of maize to meet its yearly requirements.
In recent years, production fell below the required levels with issues of inadequate funding and changing rainfall patterns cited as the major hindrances.
The agricultural industry requires at least US$2, 5 billion to guarantee a successful 2014/20-15 season
During the last cropping season maize hectarage increased by 18 percent from 1 408 329 hectares (ha) planted during the 2012/2013 season to 1 655 366 ha at the back of increased input support schemes and a fair rainfall distribution.