Govt Urge Farmers to Plant Drought Tolerant, Early Maturing Cultivar’s

Government has urged farmers to plant early maturing crop varieties and root tubers as the rainfall patterns for this 2014/2015 growing season are unpredictable.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development in a statement has noted that the 2014/15 rainfall season is mixed.

“While some parts have received normal rains, other parts are receiving erratic rains and other parts are yet to receive planting rains. This situation may affect production.” Reads the statement signed by Mrs Erica Maganga secretary for the Ministry.

“The Ministry therefore wishes to advise all farmers in the country to plant roots and tubers especially for sweet potato and cassava in addition to the maize. Farmers that are yet to plant maize are being encouraged to plant early maturing varieties. Sorghum and Millet should also be considered in areas that these crops do well.”

The statement added that Farmers are also advised to use insitu Water harvesting technologies such as box ridges, Swales and check dams in order to conserve moisture.

The Ministry is also appealing to all partners in the Agricultural Sector to support farmers in the acquisition of sweet potato vines and CLEAN cassava cuttings as these crops complement to food maize “This will ensure continued food security in the country.”

The ministry has also encouraged farmers to consult their nearest Agricultural Extension Officers for more information on mitigating measures to combat negative effects of this year’s rainfall pattern.

Chichewa

Unduna wa Malimidwe, Ulimi wothilira ndi Chitukuko cha Madzi, wapempha alimi mdzikomuno kuti abzale mbewu zopilira kuchilala monga Chinangwa ndi Mbatata kambakoti mvula ya chaka chino ikubwera mwanjomba.

Mchikalata chomwe undunawu chatulutsa ndipo chasainidwa ndi  mlembi wa mu undunawu mai Erica Maganga chati pali madera ena m’dziko muno amene mvula yobzalira yagwa kale pamene Madera ena mvulayi ikugwa yochepa komanso yapatali-patali.

Ati Izi zikupereka chiopysezo kumbewu ndipo zingapangitse alimi kuti akolole mbeu  zochepa.

Kalatayi yati Alimi amene sadabzale chimanga akulangizidwa kubzala mbewu ya chimanga chocha msanga. Poonjezera apa alimi am’madera momwe mapira komanso mawere zimachita bwino akulangizidwa kuti abzale mbewuzi.

Unduna wa Malimidwe, Ulimi wothilira ndi Chitukuko cha Madzi, ukulangizanso alimi kuti atsatire njira zamakono zothandiza kusunga chinyontho m’nthaka monga; ngonyeka, maswale ndi mabiyo.

Undunawu, ukupemphanso mabungwe ndi onse akufuna kwabwino kuti athandize alimi kupeza mbeu zabwino zopanda matenda za Chinangwa ndi mbatata ndi cholinga chakuti m’dziko muno mupitilire kukhala chakudya chokwanira.

Undunawu wapemphanso anthu kuti afunse kwa alangizi a malimidwe ngati akufuna kudziwa zambiri.