10 Jan 2018

The country has experienced erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and high temperatures for the first part of the 2017/18 ploughing season.

A press release from Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security says this has resulted in weather conditions not supportive to agricultural activities.

The ministry therefore advices the farming community and tractor owners/contractors to be very cautious when engaging in the ploughing/planting activities.

It says farmers are advised not to plant crops when the soil moisture is too low to allow for germination and subsequently sustain crops, adding as the season is already running out of time and farmers are advised to use drought tolerant and early maturing varieties/ crops.

Furthermore, it says, farmers are encouraged to plant more sorghum than maize since sorghum is more drought tolerant and maize should be minimised as it is a heavy feeder and does not stand high temperatures.

According to the release, in areas like North West and Chobe agricultural districts which normally receive better rainfall, farmers who plant maize are advised to go for early maturing varieties while farmers in Kgalagadi and Gantsi districts are advised to plant early maturing leguminous (cow peas) and cucurbits (melons) crops. ENDS