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Agriculture Reporter
LOCAL seed companies have been called upon to produce varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests as a way of preventing impairment of crops’ productivity.
The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) has said in the face of climate change, seed producers should invest in research in order to improve their varieties so that the quality and yield of crops is not affected due to attack by pests and diseases.
ZFU’s Manicaland provincial manager Mr Dennis Chiserure said affected crops are ruined, resulting in yield losses and declining productivity.
“Pests and diseases negatively affect crops’ quality and if seed houses can develop varieties that are less vulnerable to attack then the impact can be mitigated.
“This helps in boosting farmers’ production, productivity and profitability, thereby enhancing food and nutrition security at household as well as national level and also improve livelihoods,” said Mr Chiserure.
Smallholder farmers in the country have been affected by climate change induced droughts in recent years.
Online Reporter