adminElita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Farmers should plant seed varieties that are suitable for their ecological regions to optimise yields and ensure food security, Seed Co Zimbabwe managing director Mr Denias Zaranyika has said.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Mr Zaranyika said there were concerns of food shortages in the region and that the challenge could only be alleviated if farmers increased yields by growing the right crops for their agro-ecological regions.
Zimbabwe produces an average yield of 0,85 tonnes per hectare, which is way below other SADC countries, with Malawi maize yields averaging 2-3,5 tonnes per hectare and South Africa at 5-7 tonnes per hectare.
“There is a shortage of food in the region. Zambia is producing its own food while South Africa is watching its exports,” he said.
Online Reporter