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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
President Mnangagwa recently honoured Dr Joseph Nyika Mushonga, (81), a renowned plant breeder with the prestigious commendation medal for his lifetime contribution to the development and release of traditional grain crop varieties in the country.
The recognition took place during the 44th National Heroes Day celebrations at the National Heroes Acre in the capital, Harare. In 2022, Dr Mushonga received the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) Honorary Life Award for his research work on the breeding of small grains spanning more than four decades.
“Dr Nyika Mushonga, a renowned Government plant breeder, is being recognised for the production of improved traditional grain varieties. Dr Mushonga produced SV1 and SV2 white sorghum varieties in 1987 and PMV2 the second pearl millet variety in 1991, the first sorghum hybrid variety in 1992 and first finger millet variety in 1983. He served in Government for 19 years, from 1979 to 1998 rising from a sorghum and pearl millet breeder to deputy director Crop Research Division,” read part of the citation.
He led various initiatives in crop breeding, germplasm enhancement and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure effective research implementation and coordination.
Upon retirement, Dr Mushonga joined the Community Technology Development Organisation until retirement in 2023.
Dr Mushonga sat on various local, national and international boards where he spearheaded sorghum and millet improvement programmes, including the SADC – ICRISAT programme on small grains.
In 1992, he also won a Seed Co prize for significant contribution to the country’s cereal industry.
“It is befitting that President you may be pleased to award Dr Nyika Joseph Mushonga the honour of the commendation medal in terms of Section 2(1) Warrant 5 of 1981 as published in Statutory Instrument 676 of 1981,” read part of the citation.
The renowned breeder’s works have brought sorghum and pearl millet crop improvement to the forefront of the country’s food security thrust in the wake of the erosion of crop biodiversity and climate change.
Dr Mushonga played an instrumental role in the development and release of two white sorghum varieties SV1 and SV2 in 1987, pearl millet variety PMV1 in 1989, PMV2 in 1991 and the first sorghum hybrid variety ZWSH-1 in 1992.
He also developed the first two finger millet varieties FMV 1 and FMV 2 in 1993 under the national breeding programme at the Crop Breeding Institute.
Dr Mushonga got wide acclaim for sorghum and millet germplasm collection missions in Zimbabwe and for grain quality development of these crop varieties for food as well as for the processing of beer.
He got glowing praise for winning the latest lifetime award.
“He has been an iconic, visionary, focused and committed plant breeder for the benefit of the country, region and global food and nutrition security. He deserves accolades of this nature and magnitude.
“I sincerely congratulate him for his tireless efforts,” said veteran agriculturalist and executive director of the Community Technology Development Organisation, Mr Andrew Mushita.
The Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association also congratulated Dr Mushonga for receiving the prestigious commendation medal saying he deserved this for his sterling contribution in the breeding of traditional crops of Zimbabwe.
“We celebrate the remarkable individual whose contribution has not only shaped the field of small grains breeding but have also left an indelible mark on countless lives. It is with immense pride and deep respect that we congratulate a Zimbabwean pioneering breeder for receiving this award,” said Dr Casper Kamutando, the ZPBA president.
“We also thank President Mnangagwa for acknowledging Dr Mushonga’s work and the plant breeding community as a whole.”
Said Mr Justify Shava, head of SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre: “Dr Mushonga’s pioneering work in breeding of small grains was prophetic. It is like he had the sixth sense that the effects of climate change were going to increase and the varieties of the small grains he bred were going to come in handy to solve food security challenges in Zimbabwe and across the SADC region.”
Dr Ereck Chakauya of the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD hailed Dr Mushonga for his passion and commitment to the development of traditional crop varieties.
“Congratulations Doc. Interesting that when we were students most of the literature on sorghum and pearl millet landrace collections were always collected by Mushonga et al. We always wondered who is this Mushonga who collected so much material in the gene bank.
“I am happy that as a nation Dr Mushonga has been recognised for the value he has added to the field of plant germplasm and plant breeding. You sir, are a living legend.”
Fondly referred to as “Doc” by his peers, Dr Mushonga has managed and coordinated interdisciplinary research on sorghum and millet improvement in Zimbabwe and southern Africa.
He served as a board member of ICRISAT, represented Zimbabwe on the SPRGC and ICRAF steering committees.
The veteran plant breeder is recognised for producing over 35 publications covering sorghum and millets.
Dr Mushonga thanked the President for bestowing him with a national award and also expressed gratitude to the ministry of agriculture, ZPBA and to his family, colleagues and friends for supporting his work.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive the award in plant breeding. This honour is a testament to the tireless efforts, dedication, and passion that have driven my career,” he said.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of many people. My colleagues have been an unwavering source of support and I am deeply grateful for their collaboration and commitment to our shared goals. Your guidance, encouragement, and collaboration have been invaluable.
“To the upcoming plant breeders: Perseverance is the mother of success.”
Dr Mushonga was born in 1943 in Marondera district and attended Waddilove Agricultural Training Institute from 1961 to 1964.
He graduated with a national certificate in agriculture and later proceeded to complete his ‘O level studies in Tanzania in 1967.
The veteran plant breeder attended the California State Polytechnic University in the US where he graduated with a BSc in Soil Science in 1972 and a BSc in crop science and agronomy in 1973.
He earned a MSc degree in plant breeding at the same institute and obtained a PhD degree in plant Breeding from the University of Zimbabwe in collaboration with Purdue University Indiana, US.
Dr Mushonga served in various capacities within the Ministry of Agriculture – heading the Crop Breeding Institute in 1989 including serving in regional and international boards and committees.
He retired from Government in 1998 and joined the CTDO – a Harare based NGO, where he served as deputy director and agronomist until 2023 when he retired.
Online Reporter