FARMERS in Matabeleland South are likely to record a bumper harvest this year as crops in the province are growing fairly well while livestock is slowly gaining weight after suffering from the effects of the El Niño-induced drought last year, Agritex acting provincial officer Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu has said.
Matabeleland South was one of the most affected provinces due to the drought.
More than seven million Zimbabweans face critical food shortages while lack of pastures affected livestock, with the government forced to offer supplementary feeding in areas such as Matabeleland South.
However, Ndlovu said the rains that have been received across the country have brought relief for farmers whose crops and livestock have improved tremendously.
“For those that planted early, their crops wilted, while those who planted recently, their crops are growing fairly well. We are very happy when there is excessive rain like this and we hope that it continues,” he said.
Ndlovu predicted a bumper harvest in the province this year, but had reservations on livestock which are still gaining weight.
“The problem now is with our livestock which is struggling to keep up because it’s only been a month since we experienced rains. But we are hoping that as we go, it improves,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Matabeleland North, Binga South MP Fanuel Cumanzala said the current situation shows that some areas received rainfalls compared to others.
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“Most of the areas here have not received any rains and we are likely to experience another precarious food shortage this season,” he said.
“If we do not receive any rains in February and March, we are likely to experience little or no yields at all.”
Cumanzala said in terms of livestock, there is slight improvement, but most of the animals are struggling.
“In areas such as Lubu, Manjolo and Cunga, among others, they are still struggling with little rains.Those who planted earlier, their crops have wilted,” he said.
