THE Department of Agriculture in Shiwanga’ndu  has advised farmers not to despair in the wake of rain pattern changes due to climatic conditions.

Shiwanga’ndu Senior Agricultural Officer (SAO) Mukuka Sampa says his office is closely monitoring how the weather pattern is unfolding. 

Mr Sampa says the current rain patterns in the country may be a new phenomena adding that farmers need to adapt henceforth.

In an interview with ZANIS, the SAO advised farmers that they should consider planting medium and early maturing maize seeds. 

He explained the agriculture department is also encouraging farmers to diversify planting legumes such as beans and soybeans to reduce infestation of pests.

He further encouraged farmers to interact more with camp officers for technical advice, saying the department is aware of the  worms that have attacked maize fields.

Shiwang’andu district has been affected with low rainfall this year due to changes in climate. 

According to the weather report and weekly focus,the district is likely to experience heavy rains next week with low temperatures which farmers need to take advantage of.

District Crop officer Peter Zimba tsaid in an interview that the soil temperatures are still favourable for planting  medium and early maturing maize upto 20th January.

Mr.Zimba observed that some farmers get discouraged to the level of wanting to abandon the fields that they were late but to the contrary weather has just changed its pattern which every farmer must adapt to.