AS preparations for the summer cropping season intensify, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of a high likelihood of an early start of the season for the whole country, with significant rains as early as late September 2016 in the southern areas of Zimbabwe.
Last season, growers were affected by drought that not only affected the country but the whole Southern African region, due to the effects of El-Nino.
“Despite the high chances of higher than usual rains this season, in terms of national strategic planning and development, Zimbabwe should always expect, and plan for, one form of drought or another,” read the MSD forecast report.
“It is now extremely rare for the whole country to experience the same weather conditions.”
In Harare, much of all Mashonaland provinces, north eastern parts of Midlands, parts of Manicaland and the bulk of Matabeleland North, normal to below normal rainfall is expected.
In Masvingo, the bulk of Midlands, the extreme southern parts of Manicaland and the bulk of Matabeleland South, normal to above normal rainfall is expected.
The department has urged stakeholders to ensure farmers access inputs in time.
“Inputs, including small grains, should be distributed to all regions by the end of September 2016 in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and southern districts of Manicaland and by the end of October for the rest of the country,” said the Department.
“In view of the moisture availability and suitable temperature thresholds, those with water should not wait for the main rains to fall.
“They can plant any time now.
“There is need to continue with water harvesting programmes already underway, especially those in agro-ecological zones IV and V.
“We should keep in mind that there are indications of deterioration in the rainfall amounts as the season progresses.”
In the past seasons, farmers have been failing to produce the desired yields for the different crops as they were not in line with the weather conditions prevailing in the areas.
To help farmers know the agricultural activities that are suitable for their areas, Government divided the country into five natural regions depending on the rainfall and temperature patterns.
Experts have highlighted the various activities that can be practised in the five regions.
However, with the recent climatic changes following the depleting of the ozone layer, experts have indicated that the weather conditions in the farming regions are changing.
It is important that before farmers decide on which crop to grow and the seed and fertiliser varieties to use, they need to be aware of the weather conditions prevailing in their areas to ensure they make the right choices.