Early-planted crops are under threat from rains that have fallen in most parts of the country.Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Mr Wonder Chabikwa yesterday said farmers who planted early were concerned with the recent rains which have started causing havoc in maize and tobacco.

He said maize was the most affected.

"Farmers with early-planted maize are complaining of lodging (crops falling down) and this may lead to rotting if the wet conditions persist.

"In tobacco, the rains have increased false ripening (when the leaves turn yellow but not ready for harvesting) and this will affect the quality of the crop.

"Some of the early-planted crops had managed to pull through in January but they may be wasted if the rains continue," he said.

Mvurwi farmer Mr Edison Butau said the rains have affected tobacco growers as they may incur huge losses during transportation of the crop to the floors.

"My crop has been affected by rains and I cannot sell it. I have to re-bale it and remove the affected crop otherwise the whole crop will be rejected on the floors," he said.

Mr Butau said reaping of crops had also become complicated especially as the rains are heavy.

"The whole process becomes complicated. While rains are good they can also be a challenge especially when the crop is already at the stage of harvesting," he said.

Some farmers, however, said these rains would benefit sweet potatoes and horticultural crops and boost household food security.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department has said the rains being received may continue this week with sunny conditions expected next week.

MSD head of forecasting Mr Tich Zinyemba said heavy falls were recorded since last Thursday.

"Notable falls were recorded on Sunday in Masvingo which received 69mm, Buhera 66mm and Wedza 52mm. On Monday, Chipinge received 71 mm of rain. In the meantime, pressure rises along the south-east coast of South Africa enhanced convergence across Zimbabwe causing widespread rain and thunderstorms," he said.

Temperatures are expected to remain depressed with highs averaging between 17 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius during daytime.

From Thursday up to next week, the weather should be mostly sunny and warm. Residual moisture will enable one or two showers to occur along the central watershed.

Source - http://allafrica.com/