Nchelenge to have poor yields due to prolonged dry spell

—-The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) in Nchelenge has anticipated poor crop yields following dry spells experienced in the area.

ZNFU Field Facilitator for Nchelenge District, Mabvuto Nkhuwa, says it has not rained for close to a month on Nchelenge mainland and for two months on Kilwa Island on Lake Mweru.

Speaking to ZANIS in an interview, Mr Nkhuwa said the dry spells have agitated farmers in the area who fear it would lead to very poor yields should the situation continue.

He said most crops, including maize that was planted in September, have started wilting due to lack of rains, saying the dry spell has came when the staple crop was tussle.

One of the affected farmers, Joel Chilambwe said the dry spell has brought fear in the farming community.

Mr Chilambwe said the most affected are farmers who planted their crops early.

He said rains in Nchelenge started in September last year forcing farmers to plant early.

Mr. Chilambwe expressed fear that should the dry spell continue his fields of maize, groundnuts, cassava, tomatoes and cabbage may go to waste.