Gvt Ready to Deploy Cloud Seeding as Farmers Fear Crop Losses

The government says it stands ready to deploy cloud seeding operations to support farmers affected by erratic rainfall in parts of the country. The assurance follows concerns raised over uneven rains particularly in February which have left some late-planted crops at risk. Responding to questions, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement Minister Anxious Masuka said preparations were in place to act where weather conditions permit.

Although cloud seeding falls under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Masuka said he was speaking in his capacity as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Cloud Seeding. “The Government and Cabinet established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate Government activities and the activities of all players wishing to participate in cloud seeding,” he said. He said the committee had identified both private and public sector players capable of carrying out the operation.

“In our series of meetings, we identified the actors, those that have platforms or aeroplanes to be able to undertake the work primarily in the private sector and within Government, Defence Forces and RIDA,” said Masuka. The minister confirmed that key materials including silver iodide used in cloud seeding were available and that coordination efforts were ongoing. “Silver iodide is available. We had a meeting yesterday with the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Director of the Meteorological Services Department,” he said.