THE government and its development partners have called for enhanced attention towards strengthening research and improvement on traditional grains which are a critical source of food.
The devastating effects of the El-Nino-induced drought to livestock and crops in the last summer cropping season have jolted government and its development partners to accelerate crop research and the adoption of circular farming practices.
Farmers from Filabusi district, who attended the traditional grains assessment, together with the ICRISAT regional leadership at Matopo Research Institute this Tuesday, welcomed the move.
“We appreciate the efforts being made by government and its development partners in empowering us as rural farmers. We are learning a lot, especially the issue of circular farming practices because this system helps both my family and livestock,” a farmer said.
ICRISAT Director General, Mr Himanshu Pathak said they are working together with government to strengthen crop research across the country.
“In future, we are planning to strengthen this research institute so that it can help farmers to get quality traditional grains seeds so that we promote food and nutrients security in this country, including promoting scientific research,” he said.
Government continues to employ a raft of measures to improve the livelihoods of the disadvantaged communities in semi-arid farming areas through research and training on integrated genetic and natural resources management.
