By NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK – The Ministry of Agriculture has warned farmers across Eswatini to prepare for a potentially difficult cropping season, with forecasts pointing to less rainfall, irregular precipitation, higher temperatures and possible drought conditions associated with the predicted El Niño weather pattern.
The warning targets maize, vegetable, roots and tuber farmers, as well as producers who could face increased pest pressure. The Ministry is urging farmers to act early by conserving soil moisture, choosing suitable crop varieties, adjusting planting times and closely monitoring weather and pest advisories.
According to the Ministry’s Maize Early Warning Message, the planting window is expected to be short, meaning farmers may attempt to plant at the same time while rainfall remains limited.
Farmers have therefore been advised to plant early using medium- to early-maturing varieties and make maximum use of the available October planting window. The Ministry also recommends minimum soil disturbance to maintain soil cover and improve moisture retention.
Farmers are further encouraged to follow soil health management reports or soil analysis when purchasing inputs, with the aim of reducing production costs while improving productivity.
The Ministry advises farmers to rip their fields to increase water-holding capacity and consider Trichoderma inoculation, which can support root growth, stress tolerance and photosynthesis.
VEGETABLE FARMERS URGED TO ADAPT
Vegetable producers have also been cautioned about the anticipated El Niño conditions, which could affect production through unreliable rainfall, increased temperatures and drought.
The Ministry is encouraging vegetable farmers to adopt water-conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, mulching and the use of protected structures such as shade nets.
Producers have also been advised to explore drought-resistant crop varieties and include TAVI in their production plans, while strengthening soil management through the addition of well-decomposed organic amendments to help retain moisture.
The Ministry further recommends staggered planting dates to reduce the risk of losing an entire crop should adverse weather conditions occur.
Farmers are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and agricultural advisories closely, with extension officers expected to provide technical support and guidance on adaptive measures.
PEST PRESSURE EXPECTED TO RISE
The early warning message also highlights the possibility of increased pest infestations.
Farmers have been advised to conduct regular scouting for pests including aphids, spidermites and grasshoppers, while adopting an integrated pest management approach.
Keeping fields free of weeds is also recommended as part of crop protection efforts.
ROOTS AND TUBERS
For roots and tuber production, farmers are advised to plant early when sufficient moisture is available and to use the correct spacing.
The Ministry also recommends the use of early-maturing varieties and tie ridges to improve in-field water harvesting.
The measures form part of efforts to help farmers reduce the impact of unfavourable weather conditions and protect food production during the coming cropping season.
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(
usc.org)
