Govt, ICRISAT Intensify Traditional Grains Researc...

Govt, ICRISAT Intensify Traditional Grains Research to Boost Drought Resilience

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Government, in partnership with development organisations, has stepped up research on traditional grains in a bid to bolster food and nutritional security amid the El Niño-induced drought that ravaged crops and livestock during the past farming season.

The initiative forms part of a wider strategy aimed at promoting circular farming and building climate resilience, especially in rural communities that are more vulnerable to climate shocks.

Farmers in Filabusi district recently took part in a traditional grains assessment held at the Matopo Research Institute, alongside officials from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. Participants expressed optimism about the initiative.

“We appreciate the efforts being made by government and its development partners in empowering us as rural farmers,” said one farmer. “We are learning a lot, especially about circular farming practices, because this system benefits both my family and livestock.”

ICRISAT Director General Himanshu Pathak said the organisation is collaborating with government to scale up crop research across Zimbabwe.

“In future, we are planning to strengthen this research institute so that it can help farmers to get quality traditional grain seeds. This will promote food and nutritional security as well as scientific research in the country,” said Pathak.