Farmers across Kenya can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Kenya Meteorological Department announced that heavy rains are expected to begin in mid-March.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, February 27, a meteorologist from the department revealed that heavy rains would start in the third week of March and continue for five months, lasting until late July.
“For the first and second weeks of March, those who prefer to practise dry planting can proceed, as we expect the rains to begin in the third week of March,” the expert advised.
The announcement comes after weeks of dry and hot conditions that had left many farmers worried.
Some had even considered delaying or halting their farming activities due to the lack of short occasional rains usually experienced at the beginning of the year.
“Every farmer is now ready for the planting season. However, the weather has been unusually severe for an extended period, and it seems there is a change in the climate this year,” one concerned farmer noted.
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With the expected rains, farmers have been urged to start preparing their land early to take advantage of the upcoming planting season.
The forecast also follows a recent warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department about continued dry conditions in the first weeks of March before the rains begin.
Late rains, expensive fertiliser disrupt planting – FarmKenya Initiative
But even as the country awaits the much-needed rainfall, farmers and agricultural stakeholders remain hopeful that the upcoming season will bring a good harvest.
Already, farmers in Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu have prepared their lands ready for the rains. Many have reported to have received fertilizers and seeds from government stores, expressing concerns over the delays in the March rains.
By Newshub