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Herald Reporter
THE Government is working closely with the private sector to expand vegetable production, which has capacity to generate more revenue for the country.
This came out during a field day at Art Farm, Harare, where seed company, National Tested Seeds (NTS), was showcasing its varieties for broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
The new varieties can do well even during different seasons.
NTS supplies mainly open pollinated vegetable seeds and crop seeds to the Zimbabwean market.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri was guest of honour at the event.
He inspected the new varieties that were on show, and later advised stakeholders and farmers to pay attention to agro-ecological regions and respond to climate change through innovative solutions.
Prof Jiri said overall, the horticulture sector has been doing well this season despite the El Nino-induced drought, largely driven by the Presidential Vegetable Seed Combo Pack Scheme that saw the distribution of onions, tomatoes and rape seeds across the country.
NTS was applauded for its efforts in bringing new top varieties that could promote all year round vegetable production.
Prof Jiri advised farmers to grow good vegetable varieties from certified seed companies for the country to achieve an upper-middle economy by 2030.
Farmers must also work with every agriculture extension officer despite being from the private or public sectors to ensure safe farming practices.
Due to the changes in food dynamics, Prof Jiri urged farmers to have at least a garden for vegetable production, adding that vegetable farmers should embrace value addition such drying or making oil, to create more jobs for the communities.
Further, he challenged youths to be innovative and bring solutions that could make them entrepreneurs.
NTS head of department, Mr Amon Mwashaireni, said they remain committed to work with farmers to ensure food security and nutrition.
He said the company had been working with around 450 small-scale farmers across the country.
The varieties that have been introduced are broccoli naxos that is grown during the summer, cauliflower twister grown in both summer and winter, and lettuce which can be planted throughout the year.
The Government is on a drive to drill 35 000 boreholes, translating to one borehole per village, to allow villagers to engage in gardening and consequently set up village business units.
Online Reporter