Harare, (New Ziana) – Although delays in wheat harvesting have been experienced in some parts of the country, indications are this should be completed everywhere by the end of this week, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, has said.
In a statement, the Ministry said despite some of the crop being caught in the fields unharvested by the rains, it’s condition was still good. “The current rainfall has brought relief for summer cropping; nonetheless, delays have been observed in wheat harvesting across certain regions.
The latest Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) report, presented on Monday, indicates that wheat harvesting is projected to conclude by November 15, 2024,” it said.
The Ministry implored wheat farmers to use driers at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) if moisture content in their crop was still high, and expedite harvesting even if moisture is above the recommended 12.5 percent.
Meanwhile, the Ministry said the rainfall outlook for the summer 2024/25 cropping season pointed to normal to above normal rains in the November, December and January period, and urged farmers to take advantage of this.
“Agro-ecological input acquisition, land preparation must be on point to embrace continuous rains in November, December and January, which is predicted to receive normal to above normal rains,” the Ministry said.
“It is crucial that we employ water conservation technologies, such as Pfumvudza, and adhere to planting during the ideal planting timeframe,” it said.
Farmers that have received at least 20mm of rainfall in three consecutive days have also been encouraged to start planting. Farmers have also been encouraged to consider the use of pre-emergence herbicides at planting for early weed control.
“The chance of hailstorms and lightning is very high. Hence, both livestock and tobacco farmers are encouraged to ensure protection of livelihoods,” said the Ministry. To date, it said, a total of 79 traps have been set in all districts of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces to control pests, adding that there was no record of armyworm so far across the country.
New Ziana