Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Zimbabwe Seed Association has embarked on a drive to establish a sustainable traditional grains seed bank in line with the government policy to promote crop diversification and cut seed imports in the face of climate change.
This Tuesday, 26 seed producers affiliated with the Zimbabwe Seed Association converged in Harare where recommendations to create a sustainable traditional grains seed bank were made.
“We are in support of the government’s drive to promote the growing of traditional grains. As a seed association, we have embarked on a drive to identify potential growers so that we can process locally. We started mobilising the seed with high hopes that we create viable seed banks to boost production of traditional grains and export it,” Zimbabwe Seed Association’s Chairperson, Dr John Makoni said.
“With the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa now championing Agric4She also focusing on growing traditional grains, we expect relevant ministries to mobilise resources specifically to support this crucial initiative,” Chairperson of Traditional Grains Producers Association, Basil Nyabadza noted.
The government through the seed services institute has expressed its preparedness to provide technical support to ensure the production of traditional grain seeds comes to fruition.
“We are happy to support the seed houses so that their efforts to expand the production of traditional grains are achieved. We are prepared to monitor them and give them certification,” Seed Services Institute’s head, Edmore Mtetwa stated.
Traditional grains are fast gaining popularity as a nutritious and climate change-resilient alternative for the staple maize.
Deeply rooted in the country’s culture, increased production of sorghum, finger millet, cowpeas, rapoko, and other traditional grains has been cited as key in ensuring reliable sources of food and nutrition security.
