Zimbabwe farmers expect to collect almost two million tons of maize this season. Early reports from field surveys show the harvest will beat the national need of 1.8 million tons for food. This comes after good rains from December through March helped crops recover from earlier dry spells. Agricultural advisers travel through all 1,600 local districts to check crop health, livestock numbers, and fishing activities.
Farm officials describe a strong turnaround from last year when drought hurt production badly. Most dams across southern regions are filled during the rainy period. Only parts of Mashonaland West and Central missed out on the heavy rainfall. Satellite pictures measuring plant health suggest excellent growing conditions in most farming areas. Harvesting has already started in several districts as farmers also prepare fields for winter wheat planting.
Regional farm directors report that about 75 percent of crops look healthy. Late-planted sorghum and pearl millet managed to grow despite rains ending earlier than expected. Livestock recovered with better pastures and water supplies. Farm union leaders express optimism about final results despite the rough start to the growing season.
Farm officials describe a strong turnaround from last year when drought hurt production badly. Most dams across southern regions are filled during the rainy period. Only parts of Mashonaland West and Central missed out on the heavy rainfall. Satellite pictures measuring plant health suggest excellent growing conditions in most farming areas. Harvesting has already started in several districts as farmers also prepare fields for winter wheat planting.
Regional farm directors report that about 75 percent of crops look healthy. Late-planted sorghum and pearl millet managed to grow despite rains ending earlier than expected. Livestock recovered with better pastures and water supplies. Farm union leaders express optimism about final results despite the rough start to the growing season.
