Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE has taken a bold step in strengthening national food security with the rollout of a new wheat variety known as Save, designed to withstand heat, drought and other climate-related challenges.
The variety, piloted over the past two seasons, was spotlighted during a three-day workshop in Bindura convened by the Crop Breeding Institute under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Wheat Project.
The initiative focuses on the entire wheat value chain, from seed production to value addition.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the new variety is central to Zimbabwe’s wheat self-sufficiency strategy.
“This wheat is both heat and drought-tolerant. Our researchers are working tirelessly as we seek to ensure that our food security is not determined by weather or rain,” he said.
“We want our agriculture systems to be adaptable to all changes while we ensure no one dies from hunger. This is the smartest way of climate-proofing our agriculture.”
Zimbabwe, he said, cannot continue to import wheat and flour.
“The objective is to be self-sufficient through both winter and summer wheat. Farmers, schools and seed producers must all take advantage of these improved varieties and our irrigation programmes to contribute to national food security.”
Wheat breeder Mr Jairos Masawi described Save as a spring-type, erect-growth variety with high resilience and quality.
“It is white-seeded, early maturing and rust tolerant, with an average yield potential of 6,4 tonnes per hectare,” Mr Masawi said.
“It flowers in 84 days and reaches maturity in about 134 days. Beyond yield, it is premium quality, with high flour extraction, rich grain protein and gluten content
“Critically, it can be grown under rain-fed conditions, giving farmers flexibility amid erratic rainfall.”
Community Action and Development Solutions (CADS) director, Ms Lillian Machivenyika, said sustainable agriculture is key to long-term food security.
“Sustainable agriculture is not just about growing more crops; it is about ensuring that communities can feed themselves year after year.
“By integrating climate-smart practices, proper seed selection, and efficient resource use, we are laying the foundation for a resilient food system that will support Zimbabwe’s future generations,” she said.
