Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Indaba agricultural policy research institute (IAPRI) executive director, Chance Kabaghe has encouraged farmers in the country to prepare adequately for a possible El-Niño.
The world meteorological organization has forecasted a 70% chance of an El Niño weather condition developing by the end of this year. The last El Niño occurred between 2015 and 2016 and impacted weather patterns around the world and for Africa; this led to drought that saw food production plummet in many countries across the continent.
Mr. Kabaghe has advised farmers to prepare by having a variety of seeds ready for the coming farming season in order to avoid a total crop failure.
He says farmers should consider venturing into drought resistance crops like legumes, millet, sorghum and cassava.
He has further encouraged farmers to seriously consider diversifying into livestock rearing.
Mr. Kabaghe has advised farmers who will grow maize to start planting using long maturing varieties, but still buy short and medium maturing variety seeds on standby in case of the El-Niño being adverse.
He has also noted the need for enhanced sensitization, advice and guidance from extension officers from the ministry of agriculture to farmers across the country.