Story by Aifheli Mudau
COMMUNAL farmers have applauded government efforts in promoting production of free-range chickens and traditional grains, particularly in drought-prone areas, as the nation targets achieving food security, beginning at household level.
The introduction of the Presidential Poultry and Traditional Grains Schemes in dry areas like Binga and Hwange districts has brought joy to communal farmers as it has guaranteed food security for their families.
Some of the free-range chicken farmers who were part of the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair revealed they have gone beyond subsistence farming after benefitting from the Presidential Poultry Scheme.
“We got support from the scheme and we worked very hard to go beyond subsistence farming, that is why you see us here at ZITF where we are making money like big companies,” a farmer said.
“To make good money as a chicken farmer, you have to choose the right breeds of free-range chickens. There is plenty of market demand for our produce,” added another poultry farmer.
Not to be outdone are traditional grain farmers who are also taking advantage of government empowerment programmes.
“These crops do not need much rain and through the support of seed and fertiliser that we are getting from the government we have managed to get a good harvest, I also encourage other communal farmers to take advantage of platforms like ZITF,” a traditional grains farmer said.
The government continues to promote the production of traditional grains that include sorghum, rapoko and millet as part of measures to mitigate against the impact of climate change.
