Fact check: What did they say about planting summer crops?

Claim: Zimbabwe social media platforms have been awash with claims that Zimbabwe’s agricultural ministry is advising farmers to plant their summer crops following some substantial rains over the last two weeks.

Is it true or false that officials have made this recommendation, and see the recent as the beginning of the summer crop planting season?

Verdict: No, its not true.

What do the agriculture authorities and weather experts say?

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Meterological Services Department of Zimbabwe released an advisory statement dated October 17 discouraging farmers from planting now, except those with backup irrigation facilities.

However the Ministry encouraged anxious farmers to speed up land preparation.

What is the projected outlook for the 2023/ 2024 agricultural season?

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projects that planting of 2024 cereal crops is expected to start in November, with the harvest period beginning next April.

According to FAO the weather outlook indicates high probabilities of below‑average rainfall between October 2023 and February 2024, which may adversely affect the level of plantings and yields.

The confluence of above‑average temperatures, which are also forecast this season, raises the risk of heat stress on crops, a further factor weighing on production prospects.