‘Most crops now a write-off’

FARMERS in the Midlands province have little hope of salvaging anything from their fields despite rains that fell on Monday as most crops had already been written-off.

Farmers who spoke to The Herald said they were now waiting for weather and agriculture experts to give them direction on whether or not to replant. Midlands provincial crop and livestock officer, Mrs Medelina Magwenzi, confirmed that crops in most parts of the province were a write-off. She said the rains would only benefit livestock as most farmers had lost out on crops.

“Most crops in the province are now a write-off and the rains came a bit late,” said Mrs Magwenzi. “They are, however, good for our livestock as it will have pastures.”

Mr Aaron Chinhengo said he was contemplating replanting.

“It’s good we have received rains, but I don’t think I will salvage anything from what is in the fields,” he said. “All my crop was at a very critical stage and the long dry spell had resulted in permanent wilting.

“I had already given up and I am now confused on what to do next.”

Chief Maziofa of Mberengwa, said some of his subjects had already started replanting.

He said most crops in the area had wilted beyond recovery due to the prolonged dry spell.

“We woke up to some showers and I have seen a lot of people replanting in desperation,” he said.

“Whether they will harvest or not I don’t know, but due to the unpredictable weather patterns these days, people are just taking a gamble.” Mrs Magwenzi said her office was yet to complete a provincial assessment report.