Heavy rainfall causes havoc

ANDREW MUKOMA writes

@SunZambia

A hailstorm has caused significant damage to over 120 maize fields in seven villages in Zimba’s Simwatachela Chiefdom of Southern Province.

The affected villages are Simoono, Siamabwe, Sibooli, Mulamfu, Luyaba, Polo A and B.

One of the affected farmers Caino Mujuku says a hailstorm which lasted for an hour on Saturday afternoon last week left some fields flooded while leveling maize crops that were at a stage of applying D compound fertilizer.

Mr Mujuku has expressed worry over the situation saying most farmers were likely not to have a good harvest this year 

Another farmer, Ruth Simatanga, said that the destruction of the crops is a major setback to many farmers in the area who only depend on agriculture for their livelihood.

They have called on the government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to consider sending relief food to the farmers that suffered crop damage.

And speaking during a field visit, Zimba District Commissioner Robison Mulamfu assured the affected farmers of government support when a complete assessment is done by ensuring that relief food is sent to the area on time.