The Sunday News
Mollet Ndebele, Sunday News Reporter
FARMERS from areas such as Kezi in Matabeleland South, which receive low rainfall should specialise in growing small grains as they are favourable to those areas.
Speaking during a seed fair hosted by Fambidzanai Training Centre (FTCs) at Phathekani Resource Centre in Kezi on Wednesday last week, officials also pointed out the importance of small grains in terms of nutritional value.
FTCs project officer Mr Jerry Kudakwashe said there is a need for farmers in Kezi and other places in dry parts of the country to focus on growing small grains which are drought resistant.
“In this region, there is low rainfall therefore farmers should not dwell much on maize but on crops such as sorghum, millet and rapoko. Considering the current environmental conditions farmers need to know and actually promote small seed which they can plant and at least harvest even when there is drought,” said Mr Kudakwashe.
An official with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Mr Mthokozisi Moyo said farmers should also understand that small grains were important in people’s diets.
“Traditional food is important in our bodies because it has many important nutrients that the body needs. It also prevents non-communicable diseases for example heart problem which is the leading cause of death in the world. Traditional foods also prevent cancer and obesity. These foods actually help people to have a longlife span,” said Mr Moyo.
A total of 40 farmers from Kezi exhibited produce at the seed fair. They were judged on how many indigenous seeds they showcased. One of the judges, Mrs Doreen Ndlovu said they were looking at those who had indigenous grains.
“We looked at their indigenous grains, the standard of those seeds and its cleanliness. Those who won had indigenous healthy grains and those who lost had exhibited exotic seeds which we do not recommend for Kezi farmers,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
The first prize went to Ms Bongani Moyo from Ward 17. She had displayed different types of small grains which were of good quality.
“I am very excited because this is my second year winning, I’m also grateful to Fambidzanai for giving us the opportunity to showcase our products. I have been a farmer almost all my life because my mother was also a farmer and we always helped her during such occasions.”
