MASVINGO — The prolonged dry spell that has hit Masvingo province for the past weeks has led to moisture stress resulting in most crops wilting, provincial Agricultural Extension (Agritex) officer Paul Poshai has said.
Report by Tatenda Chitagu
Poshai told NewsDay in an interview yesterday that most crops were likely to fail unless more rains fell in the next fortnight, sparking fears of hunger in the region.
“The situation is not very pleasing. Most crops are experiencing moisture stress and have wilted, although they are not yet a write-off. But if the situation persists for two weeks, we will be doomed,” he said.
Affected districts include Gutu, Chivi, Mwenezi and Bikita, Poshai said.
He also said the late and inconsistent rainfall experienced in the province had led to a reduction in the hectarage under crop cultivation.
“Although I do not have figures at hand, I can confirm that the provincial hectarage put under crop cultivation decreased from that of last year.
“Cereal production is drastically reduced, the same with legumes and cash crops. This was because of the late rains we got in January. As if that was not enough, the rains were inconsistent,” he said.
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Masvingo province is susceptible to drought and many communal farmers have been facing food shortages for the past decade, making them perennial candidates for food aid.
