Melinda Kusemachibi
Farmers in Masvingo have expressed worry over the persistent dry spell currently obtaining in the province as most crops that have reached maturity stages are succumbing to the effects of the searing heat, hence putting expectations of a bumper harvest in jeopardy.
After experiencing a likely normal rainfall pattern in the past months, there has been an uneasy calm in the march of the monsoon. With no rains, moisture in the soil has reduced, upsetting the water budget in the soil.
The early summer maize crops are at critical tussling stage but wilting due to moisture stress has also started.
A farmer in Masvingo urban Simbarashe Muzenda indicated that they were worried about their crops as the soil is now dry.
“Our crops are now wilting because of poor rainfall experienced in the country. We are now stressed and if we do not receive rains any time soon there will be a disaster,” said Muzenda.
Another farmer from Masvingo North Moses Mtoko said cereal crops were dying because to moisture stress.
“Crops like maize, groundnuts are the mostly affected by moisture stress though some parts are still better, as farmers we are very worried as we were expecting a bumper harvest in our area,” said Mtoko.
Zaka Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) officer Kennedy Pedzisai said some parts of the district were heavily affected though some are still in a good state.
“In the lower parts of the district from Zaka, Rudhanda to Chiredzi boundary, crops are suffering from moisture stress. However, the upper part which falls under the agro-ecological region three which stretches from Chipinda, Ndanga, Zishiri, Jichidza and Govo, crops are still ok.
“Farmers are being advised to continue mulching and controlling fall Army worm. Weed control in late planted crops is still being encouraged. We also encourage them to start vegetable production utilizing residual moisture,” said Pedzisai.
Masvingo Urban Agritex officer Sabina Mujati said that they are still writing a report for crop assessment so they cannot disclose the information.
“Currently, we are doing report writing for crop situation assessment and that report will be officiated by the Minister, then we will share with stakeholders after that. So currently we cannot disclose that information as we are still in the process of writing and we have not yet finished,” said Mujati.
Masvingo district Agritex Officer Eliphas Mugari said that in the past days crops were not yet disturbed but now they are experiencing moisture stress effects.
“Crop condition is good, but traces of moisture stress are visible in some parts of the district especially Vic East and Masvingo East, hopefully the rains will be upon us any time soon. We are encouraging farmers, for those who have mulched their crop condition is good, especially maize. And for those who can supplement with irrigation, the better,” said Mugari.
However Mwenezi district Agritex Officer Jemitias Denhere said he cannot give information for now.
“For now l cannot give you details as we are writing a report to the Ministry, after that we will be able to give you the details,” said Denhere.
The dry spell is likely to affect the expected total yields, far less than farmers would have expected.
