Farmers urged to select early maturing crop

By Chisomo Sezi

Farmers in Mzimba have been urged to select early maturing crop for the 2024-2025 agricultural season to beat the eventualities that might arise due to climate change.

Farmers should aim at early maturing crop-Mtingwi PIC Chisomo Sezi

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, through the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, made the alert on Friday during a crucial dissemination meeting with stakeholders in the district.

Chief Meteorologist Patrick Mtingwi said the meeting was aimed at informing farmers, policymakers, and community members about the anticipated rainfall patterns for the 2024-2025 season.

Mtingwi outlined that Mzimba is expected to receive rainfall ranging from normal to above normal, emphasizing the importance of this forecast for agricultural planning.

He encouraged farmers to select early-maturing crop varieties that can thrive within the predicted rainfall timeframe.

However, he also warned about potential challenges, highlighting that certain areas might face flooding due to heavy rains and changes in land use, particularly deforestation.

Mtingwi urged caution, advising communities to be vigilant when crossing rivers and to be aware of the risks of lightning and strong winds during storms.

"During the season, a lot of things might happen, including floods, lightning, and possibly strong winds. Farmers and people should take care of these risks to safeguard lives and property," Mtingwi said.

Agriculture Extension Meteorology Officer for Mzimba South, Agness Lungu, echoed Mtingwi’s sentiments, expressing gratitude that the downscaled seasonal forecast arrived in a timely manner.

She assured attendees that extension workers will conduct follow-up awareness meetings with farmers to discuss suitable crops and farming strategies based on the forecast.

"After this meeting, we will hold awareness sessions for our farmers to inform them about the weather forecast and the rainfall we can expect this year," she said.

The meeting outlined specific forecast details that rainfall is expected to begin between the last week of November and the second week of December 2024, with a seasonal length of 110 to 140 days.

However, dry spells of at least 10 days are anticipated in January and February, with rainfall cessation expected between the first and last weeks of April 2025.

Additionally, warmer-than-average conditions are predicted in October and isolated in November, raising the risk of heat waves.