The Sunday News
Ngonidzashe Chiutsi Farming Correspondent
THE Meteorological Services Department has said farmers in areas that have received above 30 millimetres of rain can start planting but must seek advice from extension officers who will guide them on which crop varieties suit their areas.Some areas have started receiving rainfall although most parts of the country are yet to receive significant rains.
In an interview, the department’s manager for JMN Airport Office, Mr Rogers Munyira said some areas around Bulawayo had received 30 millimetres over the past days and farmers could start planting.
“Farmers like those around Bulawayo where we received 30mm rainfall can start planting but of course they should seek first advice from their respective Agritex officers,” said Mr Munyira.
He, however, said the rainfall that has been received has not been uniform as some parts of the country were still dry.
“If you look at the storms that we have so far this week, it is not widespread. For example Bulawayo had 30mm but in Kezi, we recorded about four millimetres which is quite low,” said the official.
He said most parts of Matabeleland North and South had not received enough rains to sustain planting.
Mr Munyira said the country was expected to receive above normal rainfall.
According to the meteorological department forecast, Region 1 and Region 2 will receive normal to above normal rainfall.
“In Region 1, located in Mashonaland and Northern parts of Manicaland we are expecting normal to above rainfall throughout the whole season,” said Mr Munyira.
“Then in Region 2, which is mostly Matabeleland North and part of Midlands North and Bulawayo, we are expecting normal to above normal rainfall but it will start to become normal to below normal in January and February 2015,” said the MSD official.
“Then we have Region 3 which comprises Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern Manicaland, we forecast normal to below normal rainfall.”
He said in simple terms the implications of the forecast meant that farmers in the northern parts of the country, specifically in Region 1 were encouraged to increase hectarage since mostly normal rainfall was expected.
“Farmers in Region 2 and 3 are most likely going to experience a short season, hence planting with the first rains is encouraged, staggering plants and an option for small grains would be encouraged. There is a need to enhance the rainfall this season. As such the national cloud seeding programme is encouraged.”
The department said irrigation was a must for farmers with access to dams with water.
Mr Munyira said the change in rainfall patterns in the past season was due to climate variability.
