The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has advised farmers to practice moisture retention methods such as mulching following the prolonged dry spell being experienced in some parts of the country.

Farmers are advised to apply simple water supplements and practice moisture retention methods to avoid soil disturbance as dry spells will continue in most parts of the country.

According to the weather department, mulching will help to return soil moisture, which is critical to the growth of crops. 

The Met. dept. has further implored farmers to work closely with local Agriculture offices and get regular weather forecast updates.

Meanwhile, the department further indicated that there is an 80 percent chance of Northern, Luapula and Muchinga Provinces to record rainfall exceeding 25mm.

 “There is 80 percent chance of recording rainfall exceeding 25mm over the Northern, Luapula and Muchinga while the probability of recording rainfall exceeding 25mm is less than 5 percent for the rest of the country during the forecast period,” read the weather forecast in part.

This was contained in the seven days weather forecast from 20th to 26th February, 2024 issued by the Meteorological Department.