An Agricultural Expert has advised farmers to prioritize proper storage facilities in order to protect their produce amid the current unpredictable weather patterns experienced in the country.
In an interview with Lusaka star, Dr Oliver Bulaya said the unpredictable weather conditions are affecting farmers negatively hence, the need to come up with initiatives of storage systems.
“They have to improvise storage systems that are well ventilated so that the crops should not experience continuous rainfall and also crops that have been harvested have to be protected,” he said.
Dr Bulaya further advised farmers who have not yet harvested Crops such as Maize and Soya beans to act swiftly so as to avoid losses.
“Some of the crops are still in the fields making them absorb water, that’s making some of these crops to rot, and also those crops that have been harvested have to be protected,” Dr Bulaya said.
The expert also called for collaborated efforts from government and the private sector in capacity building for farmers through training and other extension services.
Meanwhile, a farmer, Wisdom Munangisa said unpredictable weather conditions have far reaching negative implications, with adaption measures requiring a substantial capital.
“During the most recent farming season, my crops were affected by both a dry-spell and flooding,” Mr. Munangisa said.
He however suggested off-Season farming, diversification and integrated irrigation systems as some of the measures used to maintain the standnards of harvesting and eventually increasing profit.
“Some soils are susceptible to drought or flooding, so, adjusting accordingly helps mitigate risks,” Mr. Munangisa said.
He lamented that every loss affects farmer’s financial potential to buy essential inputs for the next season, adding that unpredictable weather sometimes forces famers to harvest early, there by compromising crop quality.
Written by Mapalo Chinungwe