Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
LOCAL farmers have been challenged to adopt organic farming techniques as a means to reduce input costs and mitigate against effects of climate change.
Potholing fields, and using manure, humus and wood ash to substitute fertiliser are some of the organic farming methods that have enabled the DAPP Frontline Institute in Shamva to mitigate against the effects of climate change and in the process become food self-sufficient.
This emerged at a field day held at the institute this Thursday to showcase conservation farming methods from 14 countries in line with the institute’s diverse nationalities of students.
Shamva District Agritex Officer, Mr Elias Kudyanyemba applauded the climate change mitigating efforts and urged farmers to adopt climate-smart farming concepts.
“Farmers are being encouraged to adopt climate-smart agriculture, this also includes, conservation agriculture where we are talking of minimum soil disturbance, use of mulch to conserve moisture for when we experience mid-season dry spells,” he said.
Apart from the environmentally friendly techniques offered through organic farming, the concept cuts costs and promotes food security, thereby favouring small-scale farmers.
