Shire Valley ADD Warns Farmers on Fertilizer Amid Dry Spell
Agricultural experts have long advised farmers to grow drought-resistant crops to avoid hunger during dry periods.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi- The Shire Valley Agricultural Development Division (ADD) has cautioned farmers not to apply fertilizer in areas hit hard by an ongoing drought, writes Moses Thole.
The warning comes as crops wilt in fields across the region due to the lack of rain.
"Farmers must follow the advice of agricultural extension workers during this difficult time," said Abraham Danton Banda, communications officer for the Shire Valley ADD.
Banda encouraged farmers to switch to irrigation systems to ward off hunger.
The dry spell comes as the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services had projected heavy rainfall in parts of the country, including the Shire Valley, beginning Feb. 1.
"By next March, some farmers will be able to harvest bumper yields, especially those who planted sorghum and millet, if rains come within a week," said Banda.
Agricultural experts have long advised farmers to grow drought-resistant crops to avoid hunger during dry periods.
One notable farmer affected is Bishop Daniel Masanduko of the Gogo Independent Pentecostal Church in Chikwawa District.
His maize fields have been hit hard by the lack of rain. In a Facebook post, he appealed to God to "bring rainfall timely."
"We pray the rains come soon before more crops are lost," Masanduko said.
The Shire Valley ADD is urging caution and adaptation among farmers as the region faces drought conditions.