Time to start planting ripe - Modise

He said that the department of agriculture is prepared to help farmers in need of assistance with crop production.  He said that they have already distributed over 75 percent of crop seeds.  He advised farmers not to hesitate to contact their offices if they need any help. "We are well prepared. The ISPAAD programme is running well without any problems," he said.

Othata Mmolotsi, principal meteorologist said that this is the time that rains should be expected since it is the rainy season. "Rains are expected from October to March, hence the recent rains." He said that this year's rainy season forecast is normal to above normal. He however said that these are just early rains, which makes it difficult to tell if indeed rains will be normal to above normal.