Hwange farmers launch Seed Fair Programme

IN a bid to enhance food security while mitigating climate change effects, villagers in Hwange have initiated a “Seed Fair Programme” where farmers showcase drought-resistant traditional seed varieties and promote their adoption.

With the Meteorological Services Department projecting normal to below-normal rainfall for the 2023/24 farming season, the Government has taken the initiative to ensure adequate food production through climate-proofed methods such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa.

Farmers have since been advised to grow short-season and drought-resistant crops, and in Hwange rural, villagers have mobilised each other to promote traditional grain in line with the agro-ecological designation of their area.

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme hinges on three principles namely crop rotation, mulching, and minimum tillage, which are aimed at boosting yields and increasing resilience to the effects of climate change.

To complement these efforts, farmers in Hwange’s Ndlovu area, supported by Igugu Trust, organised a seed fair recently where different farmers brought traditional seeds that they say can help sustain the community’s food supply and help achieve zero hunger targets.

The fair was attended by farmers from BH 8, BH 9, BH 23, BH 24, and BH 25, all in Hwange rural, who displayed their seeds while some walked away with prizes for showcasing quality, well preserved, and good seed varieties.

Local leadership, and Government officials also graced the event.

Igugu Trust operations director Mrs Precious Phiri said the seed fair helps the community to invest in a variety of crops that can sustain families.

“This was a seed fair where farmers showed open pollinated varieties and traditional seeds as we try and create a variety in terms of balancing a meal,” she said. “We thank the local Agritex officer Ms Chokunyanya who has been instrumental in gathering and rallying farmers in the ward to work tirelessly despite the erratic rainfall over the years and this is an effort to make sure farmers are sustainable despite low rains.”

The first prize winner received a 100-metre field fence while the first runner-up got a wheelbarrow, with the second runner-up getting a shovel and hoe.

The fourth winner got a shovel and the prizes were meant to encourage villagers to adopt drought-resistant traditional crops and to store the seeds.

The model is meant to help revive Isiphala Senkosi/Zunde RaMambo concept, which spearheaded by the Government and supports 10 plots for each chief, seven plots for each headman, and five plots each for each village head.

This summer, the country is targeting to plant two million hectares of maize and 0,7 million hectares of traditional grains. Government is targeting a cereal production of 3,7 million tonnes to ensure national food and nutrition security.

Matabeleland North’s acting director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services, Mr Dumisani Nyoni said educational programmes are underway to raise awareness on farmers who because of low rainfall patterns in the region should go for drought-resistant and early-maturity varieties.

The seeds fairs also augur well with the village farmer field schools where farmers gather to learn.–@ncubeleon