CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Harvesting considerations amidst the climate crisis: Perspectives of smallholder farmers
AS the climate crisis increasingly impacts agriculture, smallholder farmers face significant challenges in crop production, harvest handling, and post-harvest losses. The unpredictable nature of rainfall has led to crop losses for those still in the fields and for those who have already begun harvesting, creating a critical situation that demands immediate action. Farmers must be swift and knowledgeable in their approaches to harvesting crops that have reached physiological maturity while also ensuring proper storage for those already harvested.
- The urgent call for a mindset shift
Farmers must adapt their strategies to meet these pressing challenges. Currently, while some farmers are harvesting legumes, some of them are germinating in fields such as soya beans and other early-planted cash crops like maize are also affected. Understanding the best practices for managing the harvest of various agricultural crops is essential. This guide aims to provide general guidance for farmers, emphasizing that farming as a business seeks to achieve optimal yields without compromising quality.
- Key steps for effective harvesting
- Monitor weather patterns
Stay updated on local weather forecasts and climatic patterns. This knowledge helps farmers anticipate extreme weather events, allowing them to make informed decisions about harvesting and storage schedules.
- Seek support from agricultural extension services
Engage with local agricultural extension services, research institutions, or agricultural organizations. These resources offer valuable knowledge and tailored guidance to address the specific challenges faced by farmers in your region.
- Sampling for maturity
The nutritional value, freshness, and flavor of produce depend heavily on the stage of maturity at harvest. Avoid harvesting crops based solely on peer actions or immediate financial needs, as this can compromise quality. Implement Maturity Indexing, a method for assessing the physiological development of crops. Key indicators include:
- Assess the color and size of the crop.
- Determine the optimal time for harvesting.
- Seek advice from agricultural extension officers for accurate assessments.
- Considerations before harvesting
Before harvesting, evaluate several critical factors:
- Market destination:
Will the crop maintain its quality? Assess road conditions, packaging needs, and transport availability.
- Purpose of harvest:
Is the harvest intended for local markets or exports?
- Nutritional value:
Analyze the water, sugar, and acid content of the crop.
- Quality standards:
Understand the required moisture content and other quality standards.
- Temperature conditions:
Determine the best time of day for harvesting based on temperature to ensure crop quality.
- Ventilation:
Ensure storage areas are well-ventilated to minimize wilting and tissue breakdown.
- Moisture Content
Understanding these moisture levels is essential for effective harvesting, storage, and post-harvest handling. Moisture content is a crucial factor in determining crop readiness for harvest. For various crops, optimal moisture levels are:
- Groundnuts: 10%
- Soybean Pods: 10-13%
- Cotton: 12%
- Sunflower: 10-13%
- Maize Kernels: 13%
To navigate the complexities of harvesting amidst the climate crisis, smallholder farmers must adopt informed and proactive practices. By focusing on these considerations, farmers can enhance crop quality, reduce losses, and build resilience in their agricultural practices. Sustainable farming is not only about maximizing yields but also about ensuring the long-term viability of farming communities.
Keep reading the Mast for the must transformation of the agricultural sector in Zambia. This column is about Growth, stability, actuating Market linkages, Knowledge, and deepening adoption of Smart Agriculture. For any query or feedback reach out to us our esteemed readers.
Our voice shall be heard. We live today to impact tomorrow. Stop deforestation and forest degradation. Act against climate change. Together we can! Environmental and Biodiversity protection is key to sustainable Development. Arise Zambia Agriculture A sleeping Economic Giant Campaign.
The author is an expert in Climate-Smart Agriculture, Organizational Leadership and Project Management. He serves as the Projects and Communications Coordinator at the Conservation Farming Unit and is the Executive Director of the Agriculture Climate Action Foundation. For feedback, send comments to: acafoundationzambia@gmail or WhatsApp: +260-956-261174.
