Berea, Aug. 17 — Farmers are urged to start preparing their fields and conserve soil moisture while it is still available, as part of preparations for the upcoming summer cropping season and in anticipation of possible dry conditions associated with El Niño.
Speaking on behalf of the Agriculture Extension Officer at Teyateyaneng Resource Centre, Mrs. ’Mathoriso Phoolo advised farmers to plough while the soil still contains moisture, saying this would help retain water in the soil and give crops a better chance of survival before drier conditions set in.
She said farmers should prepare their fields early and plant once temperatures and soil moisture become favourable, particularly as El Niño is expected to affect weather conditions.
“Climate change is indeed a reality, but from September 15, we believe the cold weather will have subsided, and farmers can start planting summer crops,” Mrs. Phoolo said.
She advised farmers to have their soil tested to determine which nutrients are deficient and how the deficiencies can be corrected before planting.
Mrs Phoolo further urged farmers to plan so that they are ready to purchase seed once the resource centre opens for seed sales.
She noted that some farmers had already planted maize, with some crops having emerged, and advised farmers not to plant beans because the crop is sensitive to cold temperatures.
Mrs. Phoolo also encouraged farmers to start planting garden crops, saying this would enable them to have produce ready for the market during the festive season.
Ends/MTM/tl
