Zimbabwe farmers welcome pause in rains

Farmers in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North Province, have welcomed the temporary break in rainfall, as it allows them to apply much-needed chemicals to combat an outbreak of Fall Armyworm (FAW). The pest had begun wreaking havoc on crops such as maize, raising concerns over potential losses.

Earlier this month, an outbreak of FAW was detected across several parts of Matabeleland North, prompting authorities to urge farmers to remain vigilant. The pest, scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda, is notorious for its destructive impact on crops, particularly maize, but it also affects wheat, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetables, and cotton.

Mr. Mbuyazwe Nyathi, a farmer from Bhekani Village in Ntabazinduna, expressed relief at the pause in rainfall, which now allows him to apply pesticides.

"We have been praying for good rains this season, and we are happy with how our crops are looking. However, the continuous rains were preventing us from applying chemicals to control Fall Armyworm. For the chemicals to be effective, they must be applied when it is dry, so I'm glad the rains have stopped," said Mr. Nyathi.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has identified FAW as a major global threat to food security, estimating that it could cause annual maize losses of up to 17.7 million tonnes in Africa, valued between US$2.5 billion and US$6.2 billion.

Mrs. Rejoice Mpala, another farmer in Ntabazinduna, said she planted maize on a 1.5-hectare plot and feared the pest could wipe out her entire crop.

"Last year's drought left us with nothing, and we were worried that Fall Armyworm would destroy our crops, which are looking very good this season," said Mrs. Mpala.

In addition to Ntabazinduna, farmers and traditional leaders in Tsholotsho, Umguza, Lupane, and Nkayi have also reported sightings of FAW feeding on tree leaves, further raising alarm over its spread.

Agricultural and Rural Development Services (ARDAS) acting director for Matabeleland North, Mr. Thulani Ndlovu, confirmed the presence of the pest and urged farmers to remain proactive.

"We encourage farmers to scout their fields regularly, and when they detect the pest, they should apply chemicals immediately. The government is providing chemicals, but the supply is not enough to cover all farmers," he said.

FAW was first detected in Zimbabwe during the 2016/2017 cropping season, following an El Niño-induced drought. Since then, it has remained a persistent challenge, threatening national food security and agricultural productivity.

With the pause in rainfall, farmers in Ntabazinduna and other affected areas are now racing against time to apply pesticides and protect their crops before the pest spreads further.