Story by Gay Matambo
SMALLHOLDER farmers in Chiredzi are intensifying efforts to expand the cultivation of traditional grains this summer cropping season, building on last year’s successful harvests that demonstrated the crops’ resilience to drought and heat.
In a district known for its arid conditions and erratic rainfall, the story of Mr Turikai Mabhande from Chikombedzi has become a powerful example of adaptation and innovation. Last season, Mabhande delivered 62 metric tonnes of sorghum to the Makambe Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot under a joint venture with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
The proceeds have transformed his operations, he has repaired boreholes, purchased new equipment, and secured inputs for the coming season.
“When the rains are uncertain, the sun is fierce, and modern crops do not make it, but sorghum stands tall. It is resilient, nutritious, and it yields. I have been focusing on farming since I came back from South Africa, where I was working, and trust me, in an area like Chiredzi, you can never go wrong with traditional grain production. The Joint venture we have with ARDA has also made us thrive because we are taught to commercialise our farming practices. I bought a tractor with the money I got, and I am now planning to build a big house for my family,” Mr Mabhande said.
Other traditional grain farmers in the area have embraced the government’s agro-ecological tailoring initiative and hope to increase hectares for traditional grains this season.
“We used to grow maize until we realised that traditional grains are the way to go if we want to make it. This year I took 40 metric tonnes of sorghum to the GMB, and I am planning to produce more this summer cropping season,” farmer, Mrs Elizabeth Tsikani said.
“After our harvest in April, we managed to take 43 metric tonnes of sorghum to the Makambe Grain Marketing board depot. Ever since we started focusing on traditional grains, we do not know what drought is anymore, and I think it is a matter of knowing what is best for your area. Here in Chiredzi, traditional grains production is surely the solution to food insecurity issues,” Traditional grains farmer, Mr Zakaria Shirichena said.
During this summer cropping season, ARDA is targeting to establish 12 000 hectares of summer cereals in Masvingo Province, with 70 % of the crop being traditional grains.
“Agro-ecological tailoring will ensure that the farmers reap the highest possible benefits out of their cropping environments, subsequently building on sustainability and climate resilience for their value chains. ARDA will continue to steward this agenda going into the future for food self-sustenance, food security, and food sovereignty,” ARDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said.
Traditional grains continue to play a pivotal role in national food security due to their high nutritional value compared to maize.
