adminSmall Grains Producers Association chairman Mr Basil Nyabadza told Business Chronicle that due to erratic rains the country had received over the years, farmers were focusing attention on small grains.
“There is now a very strong position in the planting of small grains in the country. This is largely because of the erratic rains received over the years.
“As a country we now need to come up with a dedicated funding programme to finance the production of small grains.
“At least $30 million is required to support the production of small grains over the next three farming seasons,” he said.
He said 40 percent of planted crops in the country were small grains such as millet, finger millet, soya and sugar beans.
“We need to shift from the traditional source of funding (Treasury), where the farmers just look upon the Treasury to avail funding. At this juncture, we should be negotiating for long-term financing for example with companies in the mining industry such as Zimplats to avail credit lines to the farmers,” he said.
He said a dedicated long-term financing programme would ensure continuity in the production of small grains. Mr Nyabadza said long-term financing assured farmers of a robust seed bank with quality seed.
“The biggest challenge facing our farmers at the moment is access to seed. Our seed bank has remained virtually empty due to a number of reasons.
“For example, we have had the shortage of maize in the country and in pursuance of maize production, not much attention has been given to improve small grains seed production,” he said.
He said farmers relied mainly on donor community for the provision of seed.
To mitigate adverse effects of drought, stakeholders in the agriculture sector have of late called on farmers mainly in dry regions such as Matabeleland and other parts of the country to grow small grains.
Online Reporter