Online Reporter
Austin Nyathi, Zimpapers Correspondent
FARMERS in Matabeleland South Province have been urged to intensify the growing of drought-tolerant small grains as the region continues to experience erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
The province falls largely under natural regions four and five, which receive less than 450mm of rainfall per year, making traditional crops such as maize highly vulnerable. Small grains have become increasingly important as climate variability worsens.
Besides being drought-resistant, crops such as sorghum and millet mature faster, require less water and offer better yields in harsh conditions, making them more reliable for farmers in the province.
Speaking during a handover ceremony of inputs donated by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, to farmers through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) last week, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said farmers should adapt to their agro-ecological realities.
“We want to appreciate and thank the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for donating farming inputs to the province. We, however, would like to urge farmers to plant small grains which do well in our region,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe added that the inputs must be distributed equitably across the province.
“I want to urge the Department of Social Development and the Office of the President and Cabinet to distribute these inputs equally to all seven districts of Matabeleland South. They should also consider the elderly people, particularly those who are in village business units,” he said.
The donation comes at a time when the province is still recovering from successive lean seasons caused by climate-induced droughts, which have reduced household food stocks and strained communal farmers’ livelihoods.
In recent years, the Government has been promoting traditional grains as part of its climate-proof agriculture strategy under Pfumvudza/Intwasa, which encourages farmers to grow crops suited to their regions.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) deputy provincial director for Matabeleland South, Mr Bhekilizwe Ncube, said the donation was timely and aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen food security.
“We have received traditional grains, namely sorghum, millet and beans.
“These seeds are a direct indication of what the Government wants us to do and this is in line with agro-ecological tailoring where we are planting small grains in regions four and five,” he said.
“These are the crops that have sustained families over the last five years. The timely donation of the inputs will go a long way in boosting food security in the region.”
