The Sunday News
Nothando Zondo, Sunday News Reporter
FARMERS in Insiza District in Matabeleland South Province are expecting better harvests from their crops despite the El Nino-induced drought that affected most parts of the country thanks to the detailed pursuit of water harvesting techniques.
Several farmers also gave heed to the Government’s advice to grow small grain drought-resistant crops after a below-normal rainfall pattern was forecast at the beginning of the farming season.
The Government further provided seed to communities based on the ecological regions that are definitive of the rainfall patterns.
Insiza District Agritex head Mr Augustine Mhike told Sunday News that they were expecting a good harvest from some of the farmers in different wards of the district who employed water harvesting techniques and those who planted small grain crops.
“Agritex and other Government partners embarked on a programme where communities were taught water harvesting techniques. We are happy that those who implemented what they were taught are smiling because they are expecting better harvests,” said Mr Mhike.
He said farmers in Wards 20 and 21 utilised tied ridges, while rooftop water harvesting techniques were practiced in Ward 11. In wards 16, 18 and 22, infiltration pits were utilised. Mr Mhike emphasised the effectiveness of those measures, particularly in wards 20 and 21, where they significantly contributed to a successful yield.
“In wards 20 and 21 the measures were quite effective. They contributed to farmers having a significant yield,” said Mr MhikeHe said the farmers planted a variety of crops, including maize and traditional grains such as sorghum, finger millet, rapoko, groundnuts and Bambara nuts.
“Despite the low rainfall, some farmers achieved a good harvest from these traditional crops and I think those that were reluctant to take up the initiatives learned a thing or two from those that followed our advice including conservation agriculture techniques,” said Mr Mhike. The initiatives, he said, helped farmers burst the effects of drought where the long dry spell did little to affect their crops.
“The farmers faced challenges like long dry spells but the effects of the initiatives that the Government came up with such as water harvesting, conservation farming, and planting of small grain crops minimised the severe effects of dry spells.
“Some farmers are expecting an average yield of more than 14 tonnes, which is wonderful considering the El Nino conditions that affected the current farming season throughout the country,” he said.
