Farmers optimistic about the rainy season.

Farmers in Hwange are optimistic about recording reasonable harvests during the 2024/2025 season following good rains they have so far received in a season that is expected to have below normal rains.

The optimism is attributed to the favourable weather conditions they are currently enjoying despite a delayed start in most parts of Matebeleland North Province. The farmers have also embraced the Pfumvudza/Intwasa method and taken advice on planting more small grains.

According to the Meteorological Department, there has been localised rain in excess of 50mm with lighting and hailstorms in some places all over the country including Natural Region 5.

“Despite the late start of the season, we are happy that at least we are receiving some rains and we have planted our small grains, and it looks promising,” said one farmer.

Kachechete Ward Councillor, Givemeagain Moyo also echoed similar sentiments saying the rains have given them hope.
“We have started applying Compound D fertilizer in our maize hoping that the rains will continue so we might get something that can help us in the season.”

While the rains have brought joy to farmers, Moyo said their main obstacle as Hwange farmers was the Human-Wildlife Conflict that will follow.

“We may have a good harvest but our main worries are the elephants and the baboons which graze in our land and eat the farm produce,” he said.

Last year most farmers in Kachechete and Lubangwe were left counting their losses as a herd of elephants grazed in most parts of their fields.

Meanwhile the government has introduced an initiative aimed at increasing farmer’s resilience. Farmers in Hwange practice Intwasa farming on a small area of land in order to optimise its management.

The concept has been successful in helping farmers to produce grains including maize, sorghum and millet, while it also encourages the rotation of legumes such as beans and ground nuts.

More than three million farmers have completed training in Intwasa conservation agriculture, while around two million plots have been prepared for planting ahead of the 2024/2025 super cropping season.