Small Grains Are Not For Showcasing: Matsikenyere

By Steve Ephraim

THE Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Nokuthula Matsikenyere has challenged farmers that small grains should not be grown for exhibition during agricultural shows but for food security.

Minister Matsikenyere said this in her remarks as guest of honour during a district food and seed fair which was held at PORET Training Centre, Chaseyama in Chimanimani on 14 July 2022. The event was organised by a self-help organisation, Participatory Organic Research and Training Trust (PORET) which promotes the concept of agroecology.

“With the climate change phenomenon at hand, it is prudent for farmers to grow small grains to enhance food security. This should not be done for showcasing at seed fairs but as a measure to boost our grain reserves.

“Staggering of crops is important so that farmers can get something from the fields although early planting tends to bring higher yields.

“Farmers are urged to secure adequate inputs in time. They are also urged to diversify crops so that there is food security at district, provincial and at national level,” said Hon Matsikenyere.
Seventy four farmers under Chaseyamana Permaculture Club exhibited their organic traditional seed and processed food.