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Zimbabwe: 'Rains Signal Start of Planting Time'
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 Published by the government of Zimbabwe |
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The Herald (Harare)
10 November 2007
Posted to the web 12 November 2007
Harare
Rains falling in most parts of the country are likely to end on Monday, signalling the approaching of planting time, the Meteorological Services Department has said.
The department said farmers in the eastern parts of the country could start planting their maize beginning on Monday. Those in other areas could follow a week later. An analysis by the department of the commencement and cessation of the rainy season in Zimbabwe, showed that the average onset of the wet season is around the third week of November for the northern part of the country (Chinhoyi and Marondera) and a week earlier for the eastern part (Rusape and areas around Mutare).
In the southern parts - which include Masvingo, Matopos and Beitbridge, among others - the rains begin at the end of November and the first week of December. "Indications are that the rains being received by most areas will last until Monday 12th (of November), although their intensity will vary from place to place. "Also by their nature, these cloud systems are transient, therefore there will be less rainfall activity and cloudiness in areas such as Matabeleland and Masvingo as the system displaces eastwards into Mashonaland," the department said in response to questions from The Herald.
Although the onset of the rains greatly influenced planting dates of certain crops like maize, soil type should also be considered, as what matters for a crop is the moisture stored in the soil. "In brief though, the current rains are signalling that planting time is approaching. "Farmers, however, should use their knowledge of their farm's location, as whatever analysis we carry out depicts a broader picture. "Furthermore, Agritex would assist them in deciding on best times to carry out specific farm operations based on prevailing weather."
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The current rainfall activity was due to a cloud system that moved into Zimbabwe from Botswana, beginning on Monday this week.
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