Hope for Binga farmers

Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected] 

BINGA District, which had been grappling with prolonged dry conditions while the rest of Matabeleland North Province experienced consistent rainfall, finally received a significant downpour over the weekend. 

Recording 130mm, the district topped the national rainfall chart, bringing much-needed relief to farmers who had been concerned about a potential drought. 

The dry spell experienced in the district for over a month and a half, had sparked fears of a repeat of the El Niño-induced drought that left villagers food insecure and decimated livestock due to water shortages and depleted pastures.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) confirmed the recent rainfall activity, noting that Binga recorded 130mm on Saturday, while other areas such as Matopos (35mm), Kadoma (33mm), Plumtree (32mm), and Gokwe (30mm) also received significant rainfall. 

With the improved rainfall, farmers in Binga have been urged to start planting immediately, focusing on drought-tolerant traditional grains and short-season crop varieties. 

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Arda) acting director for Matabeleland North Province, Mr Thulani Ndlovu, said it’s not too late for farmers in Binga to plant.

“The emphasis is on farmers to plant short-season varieties and drought-resistant traditional grains. Farmers in parts of Binga that received rains late must also adopt climate-smart technologies well as apply the Pfumvudza/Intwasa mode of farming,” he said. 

For areas that have consistently received rains, Mr Ndlovu stressed the importance of weed control, as increased rainfall has led to rapid weed growth.

The widespread rainfall has significantly boosted crop conditions across the country, particularly maize, raising optimism for a successful 2024/2025 summer cropping season. According to MSD, normal to above-normal rains are expected to persist until March.

In the rest of the country, farmers have been advised to wind up planting and focus on applying top-dressing fertiliser using the split application method to maximize crop growth during the wet spell.

“All districts have received significant amounts of rain. This has improved the condition of the early planted crops — those planted in October or November. Farmers must wind up planting because we are already behind time,” said Arda’s acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati.

The Government has set a target of producing over 3,2 million tonnes of cereals this season to ensure national food security. To date, over 1,4 million hectares have been planted with maize, alongside 322 606 hectares of traditional grains and 85 000 hectares of tobacco.

Initiatives such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme, and interventions by the private sector and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority are expected to play a critical role in achieving this target.

Movement of inputs, including seed and fertiliser, has also improved, with 64 percent of the targeted basal dressing fertilizer and 120 percent of the initially targeted maize seed already delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots.