Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Farmers in Zimbabwe should embrace drought-tolerant small grains to insulate themselves against climate-change-induced crop failures, an industry expert has said.
Speaking last week during a sorghum field day at Mr Martin Matsa’s farm in Beatrice, Seke District, Zadzamatura (formerly Cargill) managing director, Dr Daniel Myers said Zimbabwe is no longer relying solely on maize due to unpredictable weather patterns.
The sorghum field day, which brought together agronomists from the Government’s agricultural advisory directorate (AGRITEX), Zadzamatura field officers, farmers, experts and various industry stakeholders, served as a knowledge-sharing platform to boost small grains production.
Historically, calls to grow small grains like sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet were largely restricted to natural regions 4 and 5 (Matabeleland, Masvingo and parts of Midlands), where rainfall is perennially low.
However, successive droughts and prolonged dry spells driven by climate change have triggered widespread failure of the traditional staple, maize, even in areas that used to do well in terms of production.
Dr Myers emphasised that shifting to small grains is now a national necessity to maintain farmer viability and enhance the country’s food sovereignty.
“We want farmers to be viable and create value,” said Dr Myers. “Small grains provide that opportunity. We urge every farmer to adopt small grains to insulate themselves against climate-driven droughts and improve national food security.”
