Isolated rains do not mean season has started, Govt tells farmers to be patient

The government has urged farmers to be patient and not rush to plant after isolated early rains that can create a false impression that the season has started.

The warning was issued at the Agriculture, Food, Climate and Environment Thematic Working Group on NDS2 meeting on Wednesday.

Chairman of the working group, Obert Jiri, said farmers should be guided by rainfall amounts and soil moisture, not by scattered showers.

“We still encourage farmers to be patient about planting,” he said. “Farmers must remain cautious as we move deeper into October and deeper into November.”

In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development said the recent scattered thundershowers do not mean El Niño-related risks have changed or that the effective planting season has begun.

“Farmers are urged to exercise caution before planting, as forecasts indicate possible dry spells that could affect newly planted crops,” the statement reads.

The ministry advised farmers to assess rainfall in their localities in consultation with their Agricultural Business Advisory Officers. While rainfall exceeding 20mm over three days may inform planting decisions, adequate soil moisture and the likelihood of follow-up rains remain critical.

“As we progress through October and November, farmers are encouraged to remain patient, monitor weather updates and make informed planting decisions to minimise the risk of crop failure,” it said.

Acting Deputy Director for Public Weather Services at the Meteorological Services Department, Isaac Masawana, said farmers need to understand the difference between seasonal forecasts and short-term weather information.

He said seasonal forecasts are mainly for planning, while short-term forecasts and warnings help with immediate decisions and preparation for imminent hazards.

Masawana said a below-normal rainfall forecast does not mean there will be no rain at all, but that cumulative rainfall is expected to be below the long-term average for an area. Farmers could still experience isolated heavy rains and thunderstorms even in a below-normal season.

“It is important to keep in touch with MSD and get the updates now and again to ensure that you are always aware,” he said.