Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE return of rains following a prolonged dry spell has significantly improved Zimbabwe’s national crop outlook, with most maize and other crops showing signs of recovery, officials and farmers say.
After weeks of moisture stress across several provinces, widespread rainfall has brought relief to farmers, raising hopes of a stronger harvest.
In Goromonzi, farmer Comrade Joseph Macheka said the renewed rainfall had revived crops that were beginning to wilt.
“We are very excited about the return of the rains. We were a bit worried about the dry spell, although it is something we were told by weather experts. The rains are back and we received over 100 millimetres and above, which is good to take us for the next week or so. Generally, the crop situation is good for a bumper harvest,” he said.
Farmers in Concession echoed similar sentiments, saying heavy downpours had restored confidence in the season.
“The crops here are back on track. We were a bit worried but we started to receive heavy falls that have brought relief here in Concession. We are now poised for a bumper crop,” another farmer said.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development confirmed that while much of the maize crop had suffered moisture stress, the situation had improved with the return of rains.
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said early-planted crops were in particularly good condition.
“The general crop situation is good although the bulk of our maize suffered moisture stress, which can leave a dent on our crop yield expectations. We are happy that most farmers who took heed to plant early have a brilliant crop. The rains are back and we understand from our weather experts the wet spell will be with us for another week or so,” he said.
Government has urged farmers to continue applying best agronomic practices as the wet spell is expected to persist over the coming week.
With much of the staple crop in greenbelt areas now approaching maturity, authorities say there is no need for panic, as improved rainfall patterns are stabilising the season and strengthening prospects for a solid harvest.
