SeedCo urges farmers to take precautions amid heavy rains

08 Jan 2025

In light of recent heavy rains across the country, farmers have been advised to implement necessary precautions to maximise yield while minimising production costs at the farm level. 

Experts highlight that while abundant rainfall can enhance crop growth, it also brings potential challenges, emphasising the importance of careful timing and management of field crops to support local food security. 

In an interview with BOPA on Tuesday, Mr Dialwa Kenatshele, SeedCo’s Sales and Agronomist Manager, stressed that one of the primary practices farmers should adopt was to refrain from soil preparation during heavy rain. 

“Working on muddy fields can lead to soil erosion and compaction, which negatively impacts plant growth,” he explained. Additionally, Mr Kenatshele said inefficiency of tractors in wet conditions could lead to increased fuel consumption, elevating production costs. 

He advised farmers to wait for the soil to dry before resuming work. 

For those who have already sown, he warned of high risk of nutrient leaching from the soil due to recent rains, which could adversely affect plant growth and impede national food security initiatives. 

He advised conducting top dressing with fertilisers as soon as the rains ceased to replenish lost nutrients and mitigate losses. 

The expert also highlighted that increased rainfall would likely lead to a proliferation of weeds, urging farmers to manage timely weeding to prevent competition for nutrients, which could  stunt crop growth and ultimately reduce yields. 

Mr Kenatshele pointed out that wet conditions could foster an uptick in pest populations and fungal diseases, including blight, mildew, and rust. 

He encouraged farmers to monitor their fields for pests and to utilise fungicides as a preventive measure. 

As the second week of January approaches, he also advised farmers to prepare for the possibility of cold winds potentially arriving early in May. 

To aid in this preparation, Mr Kenatshele confirmed that SeedCo has early-maturity seed varieties available, which could germinate quickly and be ready for harvest prior to the onset of the cold weather. 

For maize cultivation, he highlighted the yellow SC 506 seeds, which were well-suited to current weather patterns, and recommended the white maize varieties SC 419 and SC 403 for their suitability for human consumption and contribution towards enhancing local food security. 

Mr Kenatshele urged local farmers to consider cultivating legumes alongside other nutritious crops, noting that national consumption levels have not yet been fully met. He described the current climate as a strong business opportunity for farmers to invest in and grow these early-maturing crops. ENDS

Source : BOPA

Author : Marvin Motlhabane

Location : Kanye

Event : Interview

Date : 08 Jan 2025