The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has rolled out interventions to assist flood-affected farmers in the Zambezi Region.

The ministry has stepped in by removing the produce of farmers whose fields are submerged by water.

So far, 14 farmers in various areas have been assisted since the start of this month.

This was confirmed by Romeo Muyunda, the ministry's deputy director: public relations 

“Those 14 farmers we have had about 23 loads of grain or maize that have been loaded and taken to safe grounds and also with that I think it's important to note that we have loaded about 75 tons of maize so far, and this intervention is continuing until the 17th of April at which we are going to review this intervention to see if the is more action that is needed from our side," he said.

There are ten tractors being used in the operation across the region.

The ministry is also addressing challenges related to flooded grazing land, which continues to affect livestock farmers as well as the provision of potable water for people in relocation camps.

“And with that we are going to make considerations on how we can amicably assist those farmers either through feed, but also that consideration still needs to be done, in terms of water, we have also assisted, especially in regards to the relocation camps where we have provided two water tanks and with consideration for more, pending the procurement process.”

Muyunda also indicated that the ministry will be engaging the regional risk and disaster management committee on the possibility of mobilising boats to help transport produce more efficiently from flooded fields.

He appealed to farmers to work closely with the ministry to minimise the potential impact on food security.

On the issue of the locust outbreak, he noted that spraying operations, which began in March, were halted due to the floods.

“We know that a considerable number of hectares have been sprayed, I think it's over 7 000 hectares that was sprayed during that time, and it is our hope that once the water has gone down, the level hash gone down, we are going to continue that spraying.”

Currently, the ministry is focusing on raising awareness among farmers on how to manage locust infestations.

Despite expectations of a bumper harvest this season, many farmers are now facing reduced yields due to losses caused by both flooding and locusts.

However, the second area induna for the Muyako area, John Matengu, says the community appreciates the ministry's swift response.

“We asked for tractors, so that they can help people to load their maize, fortunately we were answered," he noted.

Regarding locust control, Matengu advised that targeting only visible swarms may not be effective and suggested that authorities consider aerial spraying to cover larger areas.