Traditional Grains Boost Farming Prospects in Muzarabani

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The government’s ecological tailoring initiative in agriculture is proving highly effective, particularly in drought-prone areas like Muzarabani, where farmers are now expecting a bumper harvest of traditional grains. This success highlights the adaptability of traditional crops to challenging climatic conditions, offering hope for food security in arid regions.

One of the programme’s standout examples is Ephraim Mugoniwa, a farmer from Utete Ward in Muzarabani, whose remarkable journey underscores the viability of cultivating traditional grains. Mugoniwa planted 4.5 hectares of sorghum on 7 December 2024, enduring 27 days without rainfall before his crops germinated after late rains on 3 January. Reflecting on this, he remarked, “I dry planted this sorghum, and for days it just sat there. But after the rain in January, all of the sorghum had germinated.”

Mugoniwa’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he is now a key player in the production of parent seed for seed producer Farmbiz Genetics. Despite challenges with seed availability due to droughts, Mugoniwa remains optimistic about the industry’s future. “By 2027, we can assure the nation that we will have enough seed. We encourage seed growers to take this industry seriously to ensure quality seed production,” he stated.

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The ecological tailoring initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, encourages farmers to grow crops naturally suited to their regions’ environmental conditions. Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, emphasised the importance of working with agricultural extension officers, saying, “We do not want a country that suffers from hunger when we have agricultural extension officers. Listen to your officers; this concept of ecological tailoring is implemented through them.”

Mashonaland Central has already surpassed its production targets for traditional grains such as sorghum, pearl millet, and cowpeas, showcasing the success of this strategy. Farmers across the Lowveld region are now urged to embrace these practices to maximise yields and safeguard their livelihoods in the face of climate challenges.

As the nation looks ahead, traditional grains farming is expected to play a critical role in ensuring sustainable agriculture and combating hunger.

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