shloboe boe
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
FARMERS have been urged to expedite their planting for the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, as rains persist across much of the country with the Government targeting to boost the production output of key crops to 4.1 million tonnes, including 2.7 million tonnes of maize this summer.
In a recent update, Crops Deputy Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ms Rutendo Nhongonhema expressed renewed optimism among farmers due to the rainfall activity.
“The rains we have received in most parts of the country are a blessing for many farmers. In areas where effective rains had not been seen previously, the current rains are prompting farmers to start planting. We encourage them to speed up their planting efforts and take full advantage of this rainfall to maximise their crop outputs,” she said.
Ms Nhongonhema emphasised the importance of planting, reminding farmers that they can only harvest what they would have sown.
“You can only harvest what you have sown. If you fail to plant, you are effectively planning not to harvest, regardless of how the season unfolds.”
She also urged farmers who have already planted but are experiencing poor germination to consult with local extension officers before deciding whether to replant or fill gaps in existing crops.
To enhance crop yield, Ms Nhongonhema recommended that farmers adopt good agricultural practices to promote faster germination and growth.
“It’s particularly important to consider the depth of planting. Farmers are encouraged to plant shallowly, within the recommended range for their chosen crops to expedite germination,” she noted.
She advised farmers to apply top dressing early and frequently, using smaller amounts to give their crops a competitive edge and facilitate faster growth in consideration of the heat units.
Pest management was also highlighted as a critical concern.
Ms Nhongonhema stressed the importance of regular scouting for pests, particularly the fall armyworm.
“Pest build-up tends to peak from mid-December to the end of January. Crops that are planted late are more vulnerable to pests due to their tenderness. We recommend that farmers scout their fields at least twice a week to detect the fall armyworm early. Early detection simplifies control measures, reducing reliance on harsh and expensive chemicals,” she advised.
Weed control is another key focus area, as weeds are significant contributors to yield losses. Ms Nhongonhema cautioned that farmers should keep their fields weed-free, especially during the first six weeks of crop establishment, to mitigate yield losses.
“Improper weed management can lead to losses of up to 50 percent. In good seasons, as much as 20 percent of cropped areas may be abandoned due to weed pressure. Farmers should implement an integrated weed management plan, utilising combinations of chemical, physical and biological control methods wherever feasible,” she recommended.
In cases of persistent rains, Ms Nhongonhema noted that this may hinder the application of chemical control and advised alternative methods such as slashing vigorous grasses or employing hand hoes and manual weed-pulling.
When traditional chemical control is being used, she emphasised the need for farmers to pay close attention to the rain-fast period— the duration a chemical needs to remain undisturbed after application before rain can wash it away.
“Every chemical has its specific rain-fast period. Farmers should read labels carefully or seek guidance from extension officers about the rain-fast period for the chemicals they intend to use,” she explained.
Ms Nhongonhema further urged farmers to consider the residual effects of chemicals on future crops, particularly in terms of crop rotation. Some chemicals have long-lasting effects that may limit the planting of sensitive crops in subsequent seasons.
“Farmers must carefully assess these factors when planning rotations and selecting chemicals for weed control,” she added.
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