Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Midlands province is leveraging drone technology to combat the fall armyworm infestation, with a Kwekwe farmer optimistic about achieving substantial yields per hectare, despite the challenges posed by the agricultural pest.
The ongoing heavy rains across the country have proven to be a blessing in disguise, raising hopes for a bountiful harvest.
Mrs Ravasingadi Mariwana, a Kwekwe farmer, whose 100-hectare maize crop has reached the milking stage, is expecting an average yield of 10 tonnes per hectare. This positive outlook follows her implementation of sound agronomic practices, with drone technology playing a crucial role in managing the persistent fall armyworm threat.
“The drone was very effective in dealing with pests on the crop. Our crop had grown so much that the boom spray was no longer viable to use. However, with the use of drone technology, we have managed to deal with the problem of the fall armyworm as it managed to penetrate the plants. We are happy with the good bill of health being presented by our crop at the moment,” said Mrs Mariwana.
The government has encouraged farmers to embrace the use of technology to derive maximum benefits from their crops.
The Acting Chief Director of Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services Mr Leonard Munamati said, “Since we introduced the drone spray technology, it is now faster to spray huge areas. We have also seen that when the crop is now grown, it’s difficult to penetrate, and yet the drone can actually do the job without destroying the crop. We now encourage other farmers to use drone technology to control pests. The future relies on technology.”
The government has since acquired 10 drones, which were distributed countrywide for the application of different pesticides as the Second Republic continues to capacitate farmers to guarantee food security, beginning at the household level.
