By Rangarirai Shanyurai
The Meteorological Services Department has issued its seasonal rainfall forecast, expecting above normal rainfall across Zimbabwe for the majority of the 2024/2025 season.
Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) confirmed the forecast, which is expected to benefit agriculture, water resources and economic development.
Parastatal Agritex and the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) have urged farmers to gear up for the upcoming rainy season in anticipation of successful harvests.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chiredzi District Agritex Officer Tongai Bodi said farmers were supposed to gear up for the farming season which he said would be different from last year’s.
“We anticipate normal to above-normal rainfall, suggesting that this season is expected to be better than the previous one in terms of agricultural prospects. Farmers are encouraged to commence farming when there is sufficient rainfall, reaching a minimum of 30mm.
“In areas like Chiredzi, we advise them to begin planting their initial crops or small grains such as sorghum, millet, groundnuts, and cotton. The commencement of the season is indicated by a rainfall of 30 mm and there shouldn’t be 20 consecutive dry days.
“We do not encourage farmers to cultivate with light rainfall amounts less than 30 millimetres. For instance if there is accumulative rainfall within ten days this indicates the possibility for them to begin farming,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of farmers collaborating closely with their Extension Officers to receive comprehensive advice and guidance before commencing farming activities once the season begins.
“We urge all farmers to collaborate with their Agricultural Extension Officers and Agronomists to receive guidance on identifying the signals that mark the beginning of the rainy season. This assistance is important in determining which crops to plant and when to plant them,” said Bodi.
ZFU Masvingo District Chairperson Chrispen Chiuswa said farmers were showing signs of preparedness and the union urged them to implement conservation farming.
“Farmers are demonstrating evident readiness by applying manure in their fields and some have already begun implementing Pfumvudza or Intwasa. We advocate for utilizing the initial rains to speed up land preparation and ensure preparedness.
“The Union is recommending the adoption of conservation farming methods like Pfumvudza and Nhimbe system to enhance agricultural sustainability,” said Chiuswa.
Chiuswa added that modern farming demanded careful planning and timely decision making.
“In the present agricultural environment, farming is a successful industry that demands careful planning. Farmers need to think ahead and buy necessary resources quickly. This way of thinking allows them to take advantage of chances, gain benefits and guarantee a stable future,” he said.
