FARMERS in Zimba District have commenced a re-planting programme following good rains this month. 

A snap survey conducted over the weekend by ZANIS in Chuundwe, Lubaya and Magoda wards in Mapatiyza constituency found farmers re-planting their fields they had previously planted.

Speaking to ZANIS News, the farmers stressed that they have no choice but to start re-planting because the seeds planted earlier did not germinate.

Regina Chipepo one of the farmers expressed gratitude saying she is overwhelmed by the rains that have intensified.

“I’m re-planting my maize field because of the heavy rains currently being experienced nowadays. 

“I admit that the rainfall pattern has really encouraged me to do so because by this time (January) we were supposed to be weeding and the next coming month February or early March, we could even start eating maize cobs,” she said.

Another farmer, Jones Sikaneta who was also found ploughing his field in Luyaba shared the same sentiments.

“Farming is about investing and eating, so I did not want to be left behind that’s why I have also started to plough again, hopefully I shall harvest something following improved rains,” he said.

However, UNPD Chuundwe Ward Councillor Michelo Simweemba has called on the government to impart small-scale farmers with modern farming techniques such as harvesting water from the rains for agricultural purposes.

“Currently, eco-systems are degraded by unsustainable practices, pollution, and climate change. 

“Therefore, smallholder farmers need to be imparted with modern techniques associated with rainfed agriculture to improve production in a sustainable way,” he stated.

According to the Meteorology department, Zimba district is among districts in the country that is poised to experience ‘severe rainfall and possible flooding’ in the 2024/2025 rain season.