02 Feb 2017

The 2016/17 cropping season has, on January 31 come to an end in the southern part of Dibete.

A news release from the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security states that all activities concerning the cropping season such as issuing of coupons for fertilizer and seeds and draught power covered under the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture (ISPAAD) has come to an end. 

The release states that however, the 2016/17 cropping season on the northern part of Dibete will end on February 15. 

It explains that the cut off dates for ploughing or planting is determined by the onset of winter hence frost and shorter daylight which will affect plants to reach physiological maturity.

It adds that winter comes earlier in south than in the north and thus the different dates.

Thus, farmers and private tractor owners are advised that those who engage in ploughing or planting outside the mentioned deadlines will not benefit from ISPAAD.

The release further states that farmers should liaise with the frontline extension agents for field measurement registration and those whose fields have been measured are advised to collect their payments from their respective district agricultural offices. BOPA