Gwanda North farmers grapple with uncertainty over this season’s harvest

By Jonah B Moyo

Gwanda North farmers are gripped by uncertainty following heavy rains earlier this year, with crops in Magedleni, Datata and surrounding areas showing signs of distress.

The excessive rainfall has washed away vital nutrients from the soil, causing maize and sorghum crops to turn yellow, a stark contrast to the healthy green color expected during this stage of growth. Farmers are anxiously wondering if their crops will recover or succumb to the stress.

With rainfall yet to return, farmers are exploring options to salvage their harvests. Many are questioning whether applying top-dressing fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate will be enough to revive struggling crops. As the fate of their livelihoods hangs in the balance, the uncertainty is taking a growing toll on the farming community.

For years, farmers have been praying for more rainfall to boost their food security. Early this year, their wish seemed to come true as heavy rains brought joy. However, days of non-stop rainfall turned their blessing into a curse, causing floods that stripped their crops of vital nutrients and turned them from green to yellow. Now, with the rains gone and temperatures soaring, farmers are faced with a new challenge of applying top fertilizer without adequate water, which risks burning their already struggling crops.

Ndumiso Ndlovu, a farmer from Magedleni village had high hopes for a bountiful harvest this year, but the unpredictable weather has left him and his fellow farmers in a precarious situation.

“When the farming season began, we were optimistic about a bountiful harvest, but the heavy rainfall has had a devastating impact on our crops. The excessive water has washed away vital nutrients, causing our crops to turn yellow due to nutrient deficiencies.

“To make matters worse, last year’s limited fertilizer support – we received top dresser fertilizer ammonium nitrate but not compound D for starter – has left us facing significant challenges. Some of us tried using organic manure, but it was not enough and the heavy rains simply washed it away, leaving our crops in a dire state.

“Now, we are stuck in a difficult situation, torn between trying to boost our crops with top dresser fertilizer and the risk of it backfiring due to the lack of rainfall. With the rain seemingly gone, we are uncertain when it will return, and applying the fertilizer without sufficient water could prove disastrous. The fertilizer requires ample water to be effective, but without it, the heat it generates could end up killing our crops,” he said.

Ndumiso Ndlovu stated that all hope seems lost for this season’s harvest. However, he noted that the farmers are willing to start anew if the rains show signs of returning and they will be ready to re-farm if given another chance.

“Seeing other areas reap a good harvest while we are struggling is demoralizing. But if the rains come back, we are ready to give farming another try. We will use compound D if the government supports us, or we will opt for organic manure and apply top dresser fertilizer at the right time,” he said.

Anita Moyo from Datata area noted that the situation remains difficult for them as farmers with high expectations in their fields.

“The excessive rainfall we have experienced has left our farms waterlogged, making it challenging to navigate the fields without sinking into the mud and wet soil. Our crops are showing signs of nutrient deficiency, turning yellow, which is worrying for our harvest prospects.

“We are eager to learn about better ways to manage our farms during heavy rainfall events, such as strategies to prevent nutrient leaching and crop loss. We would like to see programme that teach us how to adapt to these conditions and ensure a successful harvest despite the challenges,” she said.

Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services’ Matabeleland South provincial deputy director, Bhekilizwe Ncube, said farmers should apply top dressing fertilizers.

“To revive their nutrient-depleted crops, farmers can consider applying top dressing fertilizers such as Ammonium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate and Urea. These fertilizers can provide an immediate boost to the crops, helping them recover from the stress caused by the heavy rainfall and ensuring a bountiful harvest,” Ncube said.

While top dressing fertilizers like Ammonium Nitrate can be beneficial for crops, it is crucial to consider the soil moisture levels before application.

“Applying these fertilizers to dry soils without adequate moisture can cause damage to the crops. Farmers should wait for the right moment to apply these fertilizers, such as when the soil is still moist, especially in the morning to maximize their effectiveness and prevent potential harm to the crops,” he said.

Ncube urged farmers to apply top dressing fertilizers only when the soil is moist, warning that application in dry conditions can cause crop damage due to heat from the fertilizers.

“Farmers should only apply top dressing fertilizers when the soil moisture levels are adequate to support optimal nutrient uptake. If soil moisture is uncertain or inadequate, application should be delayed to prevent fertilizer burn and potential crop damage,” Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services’ Matabeleland South provincial deputy director, Bhekilizwe Ncube said.

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