Zimpapers holds traditional grains indaba in Bulawayo

Bulawayo Bureau

ALL is set for the Zimbabwe Newspapers (Zimpapers)’ Traditional Grains Conference, which kicks off tomorrow in Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).

Organised by our sister paper, Sunday News, the event aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for improving sustainable production of small grains.

It is being held in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) Zimbabwe running under the theme: “Unlocking the potential of traditional grains for food and feed security.”

Traditional grains play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, contributing to food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods.

The conference follows the approval of the Summer Plan for 2024/25 season by Cabinet, whose focus is on agro-ecological mapping, climate-proofing at the household level (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) and at the national level (irrigation) where the Presidential Input Programme has effectively enhanced the provision of traditional grain seeds.

The southern parts of the country, which covers Masvingo, Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, is most suitable for the growing of small grains such as sorghum and pearl millet seed in line with climate patterns and ecological zone profiling.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, who will be the keynote speaker, is on record calling for wider adoption of climate-smart farming technologies through growing crops suitable for specific agro-ecological regions to improve productivity.

“Regardless of any climate variability, a farmer must always respect the dictates of agroecological regions and should be advised of the correct crops to grow to ensure food security from the household to the national level,” he said.

Studies have shown that crops belonging to farmers who embraced agro-ecological matching fare better than those produced without paying attention to the agro-ecological requirements specific for different regions.

Hence the implementation of the strategy has been on the increase in the cultivation of traditional grains, especially in the southern provinces of the country.

As such, Prof Jiri has said tomorrow’s conference is critical in terms of enhancing climate resilience and sustainable production, development and commercialisation of traditional grain varieties.

During the expo, participants are expected to showcase successful business models and partnerships in the traditional grains value chain, present cutting-edge research on improving yields, disease resistance and climate resilience, as well examine the policy landscape and opportunities for supportive regulations.

Icrisat Zimbabwe country representative who is also the farming and systems analysis principal scientist, Dr Martin Moyo, said the conference comes at an opportune time to get all stakeholders in agriculture to reflect on how best to improve or ensure food and nutrition security in the country.

“Although sorghum and pearl millet are more tolerant to these abiotic constraints than maize, their productivity remains limited,” he said.  This conference will, therefore, be important to unlock the potential contribution of these traditional grains to food and nutrition security in the country.”

Dr Moyo said the conference would also be key in highlighting the benefits of the traditional grains. The one-day event is structured around the keynote address, interactive sessions and panel discussions.

The proposed activities include an opening ceremony and a formal opening session featuring keynote speeches from Government officials and experts, highlighting the importance of traditional grains production and setting the context for the indaba. The panel discussions will be expert-led on various topics, such as best agronomic practices, climate-smart farming techniques, market opportunities, value addition and post-harvest management.

There will also be knowledge sharing, through presentations by researchers, successful farmers, and industry experts, sharing their experiences, innovations, and success stories in traditional grains production.