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Monalisa Chikwengo
GOVERNMENT will extend financial support to the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) that will go towards increasing the percentage of traditional grain seeds for the 2023/2023 season in a move that feeds into the national drive to climate agriculture and boost food and nutrition security.
This comes as Cabinet recently resolved that the funding that came courtesy of the African Development Bank (ADB) be used deployed for the purpose that is in line with Zimbabwe’s agricultural climate-proofing strategy, which aims to attain national self-sufficiency in food, feed, and edible oils.
The national target hectarage for strategic crops has been set at 3 040 000 hectares with an expected yield of 3 782 658 tonnes.
“The nation is informed that Zimbabwe has adequate grains in stock for the next two seasons. However, the sensitivity analysis for the 2023/24 season based on previous years’ analysis indicates reduced crop production,” Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said.
Sturdy measures that include irrigation and climate-proofing for agriculture to sustain higher levels of production were also put in place.
The measures were also meant to align crop cultivation with agro-ecological zones and facilitate the exchange of grain through GMB to promote the production of traditional grains in regions four and five.
Region four is situated in the northern and southern low-lying areas of the country and is distinguished by an annual rainfall of 450-650 millimetres, accompanied by severe dry spells during the rainy season and regular seasonal droughts.
Region five receives highly unpredictable rainfall, which is typically less than 650 millimetres per year. While some areas of the region, particularly those along the Zambezi River, do receive adequate rainfall, the uneven topography and poor soil quality make them unsuitable for cultivating crops.
ARDA chief executive officer, Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said ARDA Seeds had accelerated production of climate smart varieties to guarantee production and productivity.
“Our primary mandate was to promote the production of climate-smart seed varieties and ensure seed security in support of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda, Vision 2030. This involved developing and distributing high-quality seed varieties that are well-suited to local climate and soil conditions, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices that support farmers and rural communities,” he said.
Online Reporter