Chronicle EditorSydney Mubaiwa in Zaka
Farmers in Zaka district have urged Government to introduce inputs for small grain production under the Command Agriculture programme. They believe this would help them fight the effects of drought they encounter every summer season. Addressing villagers in Zaka at a field day during the weekend, Zaka District Agritex officer, Mr Servious Makumbe said Government should also introduce small grains to ensure food security in the drought prone district.
“On behalf of farmers here, we are appealing for Government to introduce small grains in its Command Agriculture programme,” he said.
“Farmers have been growing small grains, but have faced challenges whereby production per hectare is at a very low scale. We are sure that, given the inputs under the Command Agriculture programme, farmers are likely to increase their yields.”
Small grains like millet, rapoko and sorghum are drought tolerant crops which thrive in conditions across Zaka district.
Zaka West Ward 23 Councillor Cde Benard Chinaka said farmers in the district were ready to shift to small grain production.
“Small grain production is the only way to go in this dry area,” he said.
“Zaka is hot and dry. I am also one of the smallholder farmers in this area.
“We are appealing for Government to introduce the small grain initiative in its Command Agriculture.”
Online Reporter