31 Jan 2018

Government has extended ploughing period for farmers in the Southern  part of the country. The new closing period is February 7, from the initial deadline of February 1.

A press release from the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security explains that the move follows government’s consideration that “ the rains have just come and  therefore would  like to allow the farmers to take advantage of the moisture.”
 

The release says  farmers who use technologies such as row planting and harrowing will continue to benefit according to ISPAAD guidelines, ading that farmers should plough and plant only when there is adequate moisture which can sustain crops.

Meanwhile chief agronomist at the agricultural ministry, Mr Thomas Mogome, explained to BOPA that deadline for ploughing/planting operations for South of Dibete cordon fence was January  31 (before extension) while North of Dibete cordon fence deadline remains at  February 15.

Mr Mogome advised the farming community to plough tolerant and early maturing crops.

He further encouraged farmers planting maize to plough high breed seeds like MR BASTA, PAN 8816 and PAN 8944 as they could stand high temperatures.

Mr Mogome discouraged  farmers from  ploughing after the closing dates.

He advised farmers that those planting after the mentioned deadlines should be more cautious as crops would be highly exposed to pests and quality of the crops would be low.ENDS