By Isaac Salima:
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has indicated that the country will continue to experience rainfall for the next two weeks.
This announcement has come as a relief to farmers, as the country has been enduring a dry spell in recent weeks, raising concerns about the harvest.
However, since last Sunday, most parts of the country have received rainfall.
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DCCMS Director Lucy Mtilatila said that their forecast, which covers a two-week period, shows that the rain will persist.
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“There has been widespread rainfall across the country. Of course, there are some areas that have not received substantial rainfall but what we are seeing is that the rain will continue nationwide.
“From the seasonal forecast we released in September last year, the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall,” Mtilatila said.
Agriculture policy expert Leonard Chimwaza has since urged farmers to plant early-maturing seeds.
Chimwaza also expressed his optimism at reports that most parts of the country have started receiving rain.
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“However, despite this, reports indicate that the germination rate is low due to the dry spell experienced in many areas. Farmers should plant seeds that mature early, in case the rain does not last.
“They can also plant alternative food crops, such as cassava, sweet potatoes, sorghum and even cowpeas, as these crops can withstand harsh weather,” Chimwaza advised.
The dry spell caused crops to wilt, a situation that may force farmers to replant.
This development has raised concern, as the country is still recovering from the dry spell experienced during the previous planting season due to the El Niño drought, with the Central and Northern regions also experiencing flash floods.
This led to food shortages for many people.
In March last year, President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in 23 districts due to the El Niño conditions.
Chakwera then called for support to assist the approximately 5.7 million people affected by food insecurity in the country.
In one of his addresses to the nation, the President also mentioned that his administration was lobbying for K89 billion in support to assist approximately 1.2 million people affected by the situation.
