The Meteorological Department of Zambia has disclosed that the prevailing dry spell in most parts of the country signifiesend of the 2010/2011 rain season.
Senior Meteorological officer Chizgane Ngwira in an interview with ZANIS disclosed that his department was carrying out an analysis with the Ministry of Agriculture to come up with the 2011 Crop Produce Report.
Mr. Ngwira said the country recorded a good amount of rainfall this year, which was likely to result into a good crop harvest.
He said that according to the monitored report of rainfall pattern this year, most parts of the country recorded normal rainfall although some districts had below normal rainfall.
Mr. Ngwira cited Lundazi as one of the areas that had recorded below normal rainfall as a result of partial droughts.
But he said Chipata, Luapula and Western Provinces had recorded normal to above normal rainfall this year.
And the Meteorological department has advised farmers who planted their crops early to start harvesting as the country was not expecting any more rainfall.
However, Mr. Ngwira urged farmers whose crops were not yet ready for harvest to wait until the crop was dry.
He explained that the maize that was planted late had a high moisture content which may disturb quality of the crop, if harvested early.
He added that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), which he described as a credible buyer of maize in the country, had been finding it difficult to buy the crop with high moisture content.
Mr. Ngwira further advised farmers not to rush to harvest and sell their crop to briefcase traders but to wait for the crop to be ready.
ZANIS
Thanks Ala Bee for the good rains, wamuyaya!
#1.Zwaa!
i am told these guys are not yet restructured. No wonder they continue guessing weather. Why do you neglect such an important institution. Give it the priority it deserves. My regular visits to most of these dept with my students indicates that instruments are too old if they exist, work long hours, walk to their offices if a samaritan does not give them transport. Forecasts are done abroad, airlines have no confidence in using their products, collecting simple data takes too long. They all look frustrated, confused, undecided. They have the subject matter at hand when they talk and interesting rich expertise basically in their offices.
Too bad get moving guys and claim your position in this dynamic environment.. Be sensitive to climate change and use it toyour advantage. Wake up ..
Good news but does your govt really care about you. Let them prove it
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