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Staff Reporter
Mola, Kariba District – As the climate change-induced weather patterns threaten to affect food security, the government has put in place measures to ensure that communities in drought-prone areas have adequate food.
Mashonaland West Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo today launched the Grain Swap Program at Chief Mola Homestead in Mola which falls under Kariba District.
Farmers in Mola face challenges in farming maize due to the climatic conditions of the region which receives little rain.
Farmers in this area who concentrate on small grains farming will have a chance to exchange their small grains for maize under the government’s grain swap program.
Hon Chombo said the government has introduced the program to ensure increased food security for the region.
This program of exchanging small grains like sorghum, millet, and other small grains with maize came about after realizing that Kariba District is under regions 4 and 5 that are suitable for small grains.
“The farmers will have a chance to exchange their small grains for maize which is not easily farmed here and we encourage you to continue with small grains farming due to the climate conditions of this region,” Hon Chombo said.
The Minister also took the opportunity to launch conservation farming also commonly known as Pfumvudza in the area where farmers will receive small grain seed.
“We noticed that previously, you were harvesting 0,4 tonnes per hectare before the Pfumvudza program and those who have been using the Pfumvudza program for farming have been harvesting 2 tonnes from the same hectarage which proves that the program is indeed a game changer. I encourage you all to embrace the program,” she said.
Hon Chombo noted that the area has water challenges. She promised to engage relevant offices to attend to transport and telecommunication challenges in the area.
Meanwhile, the Minister also took the opportunity to visit and assess progress at the New Government Complex in Siakobvu which is expected to house government departments currently based in Kariba.
She said the government, through the devolution agenda, will open the complex early next year.
Chief Mola hailed the government for walking the talk in ensuring that no place or person is left behind in the economic development of the country.