Matabeleland South is getting hyped for a potentially massive harvest after solid rainfall. The provincial agriculture director, Shupikai Sibanda, reported cereal crops are in great shape, with farmers currently weeding and applying fertilizer. Traditional grains are already tasseling, while later plantings are still vegetative. The overall outlook points toward a bumper yield, with planting for crops like sugar beans ongoing.
Officials encouraged focusing on drought-resistant crops suited to the region, like sorghum and sunflower. Farmers are also urged to scout for fall armyworm outbreaks and aggressively control weeds. Estate owner Dean Leroux echoed the positive assessment, citing good power and water access across hundreds of hectares of maize.
A local traditional leader, Chief Mathe, confirmed crops are at the pollination stage thanks to timely rains. He noted a minor setback involving some farmers lacking draught power for tilling. A more significant issue was the failure to obtain seed maize from the usual public supplier, the Grain Marketing Board.
Inputs reportedly arrived through an alternative channel this cycle. Chief Mathe stated that the Zimbabwe National Army provided assistance after engaging traditional leaders, bypassing the usual government and NGO programs. This shift in distribution highlighted ongoing logistical challenges in securing vital agricultural supplies.
Officials encouraged focusing on drought-resistant crops suited to the region, like sorghum and sunflower. Farmers are also urged to scout for fall armyworm outbreaks and aggressively control weeds. Estate owner Dean Leroux echoed the positive assessment, citing good power and water access across hundreds of hectares of maize.
A local traditional leader, Chief Mathe, confirmed crops are at the pollination stage thanks to timely rains. He noted a minor setback involving some farmers lacking draught power for tilling. A more significant issue was the failure to obtain seed maize from the usual public supplier, the Grain Marketing Board.
Inputs reportedly arrived through an alternative channel this cycle. Chief Mathe stated that the Zimbabwe National Army provided assistance after engaging traditional leaders, bypassing the usual government and NGO programs. This shift in distribution highlighted ongoing logistical challenges in securing vital agricultural supplies.
