Story by Courage Bushe
FARMERS from Shurugwi have joined the growing ranks of enthusiasts embracing the government’s innovative Traditional Grains Programme, bolstering Zimbabwe’s food security initiatives and promoting self-sufficiency.
The government is providing inputs as traditional grains gain popularity for their nutritional benefits and climate resilience, with farmers from Shurugwi being the latest to receive support
A Shurugwi farmer said, “Our communities are growing, meaning we must be prepared to produce more food for the people, despite the changing climatic conditions.”
“This season, the distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries has commenced early, marking a significant shift towards the strategy that prioritises agro-ecological matching and resilience-building,” said another.
The legislator for Shurugwi North, Honourable Joseph Mupasi firmly believes that traditional grain production is the answer to eradicating hunger and ensuring Zimbabwe’s long-term food security.
“It is not a secret that all over the world, value-added agriculture generates several billions of dollars for some of the globe’s huge economies, which now invest money in value process chains of a product, right up to the shelf,” said Honourable Mupasi.
The government has pledged to provide inputs to all farmers in the province before the onset of the rainy season.
“The President said the inputs are for every farmer who has done the Pfumvudza plots. No one is going to be left behind, and what we are looking forward to as the government is to get food security. Let me warn you that the inputs are not for sale, and those found selling will face the long arm of law,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
This focus on traditional grains comes at a time the climate smart Pfumvudza/Intwasa model has proven to be a highly effective strategy for promoting food security across the country.
