By Nuusita Ashipala
ONGWEDIVA – With only sporadic showers received since the onset of the rainy season late last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry is advising farmers to plant early maturing crop varieties.
With the rainy season expected to last for only about three months farmers are encouraged to plant drought-resistant, early maturing crop varieties that can survive within the three months to yield a positive harvest.
The advised crops to be planted include okashana, kangara and pearl millet varieties which grow in a short period of less than 100 days.
“It is important to grow okashana, kangara and pearl millet varieties as they grow well in case of low rainfall,” said Margaret Kalo, spokesperson at the Minstry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
According to recent media reports, low rainfall has resulted in the wilting of crops that were planted at the beginning of the rainy season.
Other crops recommended for the rainfall period between January and March are nakale and shidimba cowpea varieties.
Furthermore, crop farmers are advised to plant their crops in line ridges of appropriate depth where water can be harvested to benefit the crops.
“The density of plants per hectare is an important element and thinning must be done to avoid completion of soil nutrients,” advised Kalo.
According to Kalo, both cereal and legume seeds are available at affordable prices at a subsidized rate and can be obtained at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry agricultural development centres at the constituency offices.