Mukudzei Chingwere in ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire
Zimbabwe is seeking full membership of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) to work directly with researchers and identify high-yielding varieties suitable for local conditions, train farmers and modernise mills as the country moves towards reducing the country’s rice import bill.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga announced the push to move from observer status to full membership in an address at the 34th Ordinary Session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers in Abidjan this morning.
Lands and Rural Development Minister Vangelis Haritatos read the speech on his behalf.
“Zimbabwe’s participation at this summit signals our firm desire to transition from an observer to full membership in AfricaRice,” said VP Chiwenga.
“We want to work directly with technical experts to accelerate our seed systems, train our farmers and modernise our processing capacity.”
He said Zimbabwe consumes about 300 000 tonnes of rice annually and produces just 2 900 tonnes. Local growers supply less than one percent of national demand, leaving imports to cover a shortfall of about 297 000 tonnes.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe aims to expand rice cultivation in phases, highlighting that the country’s experience in wheat production will be used as a model to grow the sector.
The Vice President also invited investment in mechanisation, storage, milling, transport and branding. He went on to call for affordable finance and reliable markets for small-holder farmers.
VP Chiwenga said expanding local production could help retain foreign currency and create jobs.
The Government’s push to develop rural agro-industrial hubs could also bring processing closer to farming communities, giving growers a market for their crop.
