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and assist them in improving food production.
Addressing participants during the 40th anniversary commemorations for the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at Matopos Research Centre in Matobo District last Friday, Governor Masuku said food security remained the country’s major challenge.
She said agricultural research institutions should work closely with farmers in identifying effective farming techniques that would increase yields.
“It is unfortunate that the good work that I have just seen here is not happening benefiting the province. There is a need to increase linkage with farmers and help them market their products. Livestock is the backbone of this region and farmers need more support in that area,” said Governor Masuku.
“Farmers should also partner with research institutions in order to benefit from them. They need improved seed and livestock breed varieties and advice on how to improve their yields.”
Governor Masuku expressed concern over the shortage of pastures in the province and challenged agriculture researchers to identify modern approaches that farmers could adopt to produce their own stockfeed.
She also urged farmers in the province to grow small grains that are drought tolerant.
Speaking at the same occasion, ICRISAT regional representative Dr Kizito Mazvimavi said the province has a huge potential for improve livestock production.
He said his organisation was aware of the changing climatic conditions and said research was underway to come up with evidence based recommendations for improved production.
Dr Mazvimavi pledged his organisation’s commitment towards continued support for farmers and partnership with the Government in addressing food security issues.
Acting Matabeleland South provincial administrator Mr Midard Khumalo said achieving sustainable food security was key towards meeting Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Number One, which is to eradicate hunger.
Earlier on Governor Masuku toured laboratories at the institute, where she was appraised on how experiments were conducted.
She was also shown the machinery used for conducting laboratory tests and the small grain seed varieties, some of which were used 30 years ago.
Online Reporter