Call to grow small grains

Lawrence Chitumba Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has implored communities in low-rainfall areas like Rushinga, Mt Darwin, Mwenezi and Chiredzi to grow drought-resistant crops like small grains and cowpeas to mitigate food shortages and get rid of the donor dependency syndrome.

This comes as the country is witnessing a poor agricultural season characterised by erratic rains which have resulted in poor yields in most parts of the country, leaving communities with no option but to rely on State and donor food relief.

Speaking during the small grains programme field day held in Mkumbura’s Ward 3, Gomo Village, recently, Agritex director Mr Bernard Mache said Government had reviewed the producer price in an effort to encourage the growing of small grains.

“Climate change is causing low rainfalls and high temperatures which affect traditionally grown crops like maize, so Government is encouraging the growing of small grains and cow peas varieties which are drought- resistant to mitigate the shortage of food in drought-prone areas like Rushinga, Mt Darwin, Mwenezi and Chiredzi,” he said.

“The Government has partnered with the World Food Programme to embark on the small grains programme in areas which are prone to droughts beginning with Rushinga, Chiredzi, Mwenezi and now Mt Darwin so that communities can grow their own food and avoid the dependency syndrome.

“Government has intensified the education of farmers on ways to improve agricultural practices using modern technologies in order to get high yields. You must embrace technology and innovation to set maximum yields in the wake of climate change and save the country the scarce foreign currency purchasing food from outside the country.”

Speaking at the same occasion, acting Mashonaland Central provincial administrator Mr Richard Chipfuva said there was an increase in the growing of small grains in Mt Darwin over the years.

He urged youths to play a leading role in embracing innovation and modern farming technology to mitigate food shortages to make farming one of the highest paying employers and stop crowding in the cities and towns in search of employment.