Incessant rains currently pounding Zimbabwe have reduced seed maize hectarage from 14 900 last year to 9 000 hectares this year, an agricultural research and extension services body said yesterday.
In its January 2008 crop and livestock advisory report, the Agricultural Research and Extension Services said the incessant rains had affected planting of seed maize to a great extent.
Agritex said a massive winter (May-August) maize seed production would be embarked upon to boost seed maize production for the forthcoming season. It said at least 6 000 hectares of seed maize were targeted for the winter programme, which will be spearheaded in conjunction with seed companies.
Inputs, especially fertilizer, would be provided as support to the production. "Incentive prices will be paid for seed produced during winter bearing the additional costs of production," Agritex said.
Zimbabwe requires at least 50 000 metric tonnes of maize seed per agricultural season.
The research and extension body also called for intensive mobilisation of fertilizer to save the current crop. It said available fertilizers would be targeted to higher potential areas to save crops, with farmers who will benefit from the limited supplies to be screened to ensure fertiliser goes to deserving farmers.
Agritex said it had embarked on a nationwide crop assessment until mid February to confirm the areas planted and assess crop condition and potential including impact of incessant rains.
"The assessment will not give a yield estimate (which will be done in a subsequent assessment in March) but will give indicators for potential production from the situation on the ground," Agritex said.
Zimbabwe has so far received above normal rainfall with most stations having received rainfall, which is at least double the amount they should have received by now.
The Herald
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