What you need to know this season

18 Dec, 2016 - 00:12 0 Views
What you need to know this season Sadc region should now join hands together to come up with early warning systems so that countries can be better prepared to deal with flood disasters.

The Sunday Mail

Extra Correspondent —
Generally, the prospects of the rainfall season for the farmer must certainly be brighter for 2016/17 unlike the El Nino ravaged 2015/16 season.

Whilst this may be the case, the farmer still needs to be acutely aware of hazards related to the rainfall season. This rainfall season is expected to mirror the opposite to El Nino as the La Nina phenomenon is expected to prevail over the sub region.

La Nina is linked with above average rainfall over Zimbabwe and other parts of the sub region. Above average rainfall poses various threats for the farmer and the general public ranging from floods and flash flooding with resultant water logging and wash aways.

Proliferation of pests, crop and livestock disease are among some of the threats related to above average rainfall. Furthermore, this month, December, has its own peculiar threats.

According to the Meteorological Services, the month is characterised by high occurrence of extreme rainfall events. It tends to have high incidents of hail, lightning and thunderstorms. Considerable damage due to hailstorms has already occurred to date in some parts of the country.

Earlier in the season, a hailstorm damaged several hectares of crop in parts of Macheke and recently 230 homesteads were damaged in Mangwe District. There is therefore need for vigilance during December as the risk to hailstorms is further heightened.

In the case of hailstorms, it is advised to shelter in a house with the strongest roof, preferably with a corrugated iron roof. Should the roof be blown off, it is advised to shelter under tables and beds. It is also advisable to ensure that livestock, particularly young ones, are protected from hailstorms.

Floods continue to pose a serious risk to farmers. Bulilima District has already suffered losses due to flash flooding this season. Farmers lost 64 cattle, 17 donkeys and several chickens. In addition, 135 homesteads were damaged with 11 households rendered homeless. The affected area has a flat landscape, making it highly susceptible to flooding.

Farmers and the general public are reminded to take note that:
the greater part of the country, about 92 percent, has a low exposure to the flood hazard, two percent is moderate, one percent high and about four percent is exposed to the extreme flood hazard.

the Gwayi River Catchment has the largest share of the extreme flood hazard followed by Sanyati, Mzingwane and Manyame. The others Runde, Save and Mazowe catchments – also have certain areas in the extreme hazard zone. It is advised that:

Before a flood
Make an effort to know your local flood history. Find out which areas in your community were submerged in previous floods. Work with your community to identify places of refuge on high ground.

Prepare an emergency kit. ln case of evacuation during a flood,  you will need food and some utensils to prepare warm meals, safe drinking water, emergency lighting, warm clothing, blankets and essential medicines

During a flood
Listen to the weather bulletins and other information. Keep informed of danger, monitor rising waters and prepare to timely move to places of refuge on high ground. Do not go and work in fields between rivers or streams. Do not be afraid in case of helicopter rescue, follow instructions from the helicopter crew, do not panic and jump into the water.

After a flood
Ensure your home is structurally sound, practise good hygiene and use safe water. Monitor the health of your livestock and be on the lookout for crop pests.

While the La Nina phenomenon is expected to be predominant together with the likelihood of above average rains, mid season dry spells and drought remain a threat.

Dry spells are prolonged periods of dry weather for at least ten consecutive days. The impact on crops will vary based on the type of crop, soils and temperatures.

The 2016/17 seasonal outlook forecasts a 25 percent likelihood of below normal rains for Regions One and Two for the second half of the season.

The two regions encompass the Mashonaland Provinces, northern parts of Midlands and Masvingo, Matabeleland North and north – west Matabeleland South provinces inclusive of Bulawayo and Harare. Region Three has a 35 percent likelihood of receiving below normal rains.

Should these scenarios prevail, some parts of the country may experience drought conditions. This could be quite severe with the attendant negative impact on water, food and pastures given the El Nino impact for the 2015/16 season.

High temperatures, strong winds and flash floods are some of the climatic conditions reportedly linked to pest outbreaks. Migratory pests like army worm may occur.  The armyworm gets its name from its habit of “marching” in large numbers from grasslands into crops.

The likelihood of below normal rainfall in the second half of the rainfall season may increase the incidence of pests, especially for farmers who would have planted in late December.

Zimbabwe has no breeding grounds for most crop-eating pests like army worm. Army worm reportedly originate from East Africa and the Horn of Africa.  Between October and November, moist winds carry the moths and deposit them in northern Zimbabwe from where they spread across the country.

Farmers must identify the armyworm early in order to effectively control the pest. Young armyworms scrape out the tissue of one side of the leaves creating a ‘window’ effect. Leaves may dry up and assume a scorched appearance. Older worms feed on leaves starting at the margins and moving inwards, leaving the leaves with a ragged appearance. They may eat whole leaves, leaving only the midrib.

Farmers are encouraged to report any sightings of armyworm to their local Agritex office.

Furrows can be used to halt the pests where the armyworms move from one area to another. The larvae will crawl along the furrows and eventually fall into the pits where they can be covered up or treated with chemicals. Chemicals such as Carbaryl, Deltamethrine and Cypermethrinare are used to control the pest.

Important tips
For all disease outbreaks, follow advice from health and animal health officials,

Always seek advice from your local Agritex official on the planting season and the suitable seed/crops to grow in your area

Invest in a first aid course in order to be able to manage mishaps while farming.

Remember be a good citizen, reduce the risk to disaster!

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