OVER the past few days, a rare dry spell has been experienced in most parts of the country to the relief of farmers who can now embark on other farm activities that had been hindered by continuous rains that hit the country over the past few weeks.
The year started off with the country receiving rains which boosted crop production, but they almost threatened the thriving crops in the fields.
Farmers with irrigated tobacco have begun harvesting.
Maize is at various stages of development with the early planted crop having reached tasselling stage.
Optimism remains high the season will be a success.
Improved yields are expected.
Zimbabwe requires two million metric tonnes of grain to meet its annual requirements.
Over the past seasons, the target has not been met due to a plethora of challenges.
Lack of cheap finance to procure inputs and the prevailing liquidity constraints were some of the reasons cited.
Farmers were mostly affected by climate change.
A dry spell ensued last season and left a trail of destruction.
This season is different, rains have been falling and inputs have been availed on time.
According to the Meteorological Services Department’s (MSD) forecast this season, normal to above normal rains are expected.
The rains, although welcome, have made it difficult for farmers to weed and apply fertilisers.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Wonder Chabikwa said farmers must make use of the dry spell.
“We have welcomed the rains and the crop is looking healthy unlike last season when around this time crops were suffering from moisture stress,” he said.
“Over the past few days we have experienced a dry spell and farmers should take advantage of this to either apply fertilisers, chemicals as well as weed.
“It is difficult to apply fertilisers when it is raining as they will be washed away with little or no benefit to crops (sic).”
Maize farmers are now required to apply ammonium nitrate fertilisers which is, however, in short supply in some parts .
Government has assured farmers it is addressing the issue to ensure farmers have all requirements to produce a quality crop.
Chabikwa said farmers must control pest and disease outbreaks.
Local grain, in particular, is normally affected by stalk borer.
Stalk borer is a pest that feeds mainly on maize and sorghum, feeds on plant stalks and upper leaves, reducing flow of water and nutrients throughout the plant.
Also affecting farmers is the army worm.
Outbreaks have been recorded in some parts of Matabeleland North.
Armyworm is a destructive pest that gets its name because it travels in large insect armies and destroys large hectares of crops in a short period of time.
There has been an increase in army worm outbreaks, a development which experts attribute to climate change, induced alterations of temperature and rainfall patterns.
New types including ‘fall’ and ‘African army worm’ have attacked local crops.
Tomato growers on the other hand, are being affected by boll worm which thrives in rainy conditions and is resistant to chemicals.
“If farmers decide to apply pesticides when it is raining, they have to first apply a sticker to ensure chemicals are not washed away and this is at an extra cost,” said Chabikwa.
“Farmers should scout fields at least three times daily because the fall army worm will continue to attack the maize crop up to maturity stage if it is not properly managed.
Most farmers who planted grain and small grains have begun weeding fields, Chabikwa said.
Given financial constraints, most small-scale farmers do not apply herbicides and prefer traditional methods of ridding weeds.
“Apart from top-dressing fertiliser shortage, farmers have to deal with shortages in labour,” Chabikwa said.
“This season, given the favourable weather conditions for increased production, there is increased activity on the fields.
“Most farmers rely on hired labour.”
The major highlight this season is Command Agriculture, a Government-led programme aimed at boosting food security.
Under the programme, Government is targeting production of two million tonnes under 400 000 hectares.
At Buck-stone Farm in Banket, farmer Nomathemba Mugari concurred with Chabikwa that there is increased demand for labour.
“With most people now weeding, applying fertilisers and harvesting tobacco, the demand for labour has increased,” she said.
“Those offering services have increased their charges.
“Traditionally, a farmer would be charged US$3 per day, but now we have to fork out more or top-up with groceries.”
Karoi tobacco farmer, Alison Mandere said demand for labour on tobacco fields has also increased.
“Since we have been receiving more rains, the ripening process of tobacco is quickened,” he said.
“Tobacco ripens in stages of normally two leaves per plant but given the amount of rains you find three or four leaves can ripen at the same time and this means more work.
“This puts pressure on the curing process.”