Farmers should prepare adequately ahead of the onset of the agricultural season and avoid waiting for the rains or government inputs, a senior agricultural expert has said.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union executive director Paul Zakariya said the preparations would also include buying seed, fertilisers and various other inputs.
Zakaria’s sentiments come after the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) called on farmers to work with agricultural experts to prepare for the normal to below normal rains expected during the 2023-24 agricultural season.
In an interview this week, Zakaria said farmers should not wait until the rains fall, but should buy inputs.
“The season is still upon (us) and the rains have not yet come. Farmers should do their late preparations as the inputs come. So, we encourage farmers to buy their own inputs and not just wait until the rains come.
“It is the responsibility of every farmer, who should operate like a businessperson, not to wait for inputs especially the government issued inputs. They should acquire their own inputs to avoid delays,” he said.
Zakariya said while government had started distributing inputs to some farmers and the process was still underway, those who have not received anything should find their own means to get them.
Government has started distributing inputs under the Presidential Input schemes that include the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme targeted at rural and resettlement areas.
- Mambo Chivero Zim’s new mbira music ambassador
- Mambo Chivero Zim’s new mbira music ambassador
- Zanu PF official suspended over violence
- Sungura Blast to rekindle yesteryear memories
Keep Reading
Other farmers, such A2 and commercial farmers, have to apply for inputs through various schemes from financial institutions.
Zakariya, however, said farmers were anticipating good harvests this season, with the outcome varying depending on their location, with some receiving more rains and others receiving less.
“As farmers, we are very hopeful people and we expect that the rains will come so it depends on where one is based but we stand guided by the Meteorological Service Department,” he said.
Meanwhile, MSD meteorologist James Ngoma said the amount of rainfall each area would experience throughout the season would be between normal and below normal.
“We forecast for a normal to below normal rainfall for most areas throughout the season. So, each area has an average (normal) rainfall that it receives during the season,” Ngoma said.
“The normal for Beitbridge is less than that of Mashonaland East, for instance. Onset dates for the rains are also area-specific.
“For farmers, they should consult their local Agritex officers on what crops to plant in such a season and follow the advice they get for these officials.”
