Harare, (New Ziana) -Farmers throughout the country should stop planting maize and rather focus on short season traditional grain crops which are drought tolerant, an expert has said.

Leonard Munamati, the Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) acting chief director said this during an interview with New Ziana on Wednesday.

“We are now in January. Planting of maize is expected to have been completed by now. Most maize varieties need 120 or more days to maturity and yet the season is left with less than 90 days if rains end in March,” he said.

“Any plantings by farmers could be of short season traditional grain crops which are drought resistant. Farmers can also plant sugar beans, African peas and sweet potatoes.”

Munamati said following the recently received rains, the crop condition throughout the country is satisfactory, adding that which had been affected by the December prolonged dry spell has since recovered. He encouraged farmers to be on the lookout for the troublesome fall armyworm, which is normally very active during this time of the year.

“Farmers are encouraged to scout for and control fall armyworm. In some fields, this pest is reducing yield due to late control by the farmers. Farmers should scout early morning and in the evening to control the pest. Normally the late planted crop is most affected by this pest if not controlled early,” he said.

Fall armyworms are destructive caterpillars that invade fields in late summer to early fall.

New Ziana