Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
In a transformative agricultural season, farmers have embraced traditional grains with renewed vigour, planting an impressive 596 103 hectares compared to just 246 088 hectares last season.
This remarkable shift reflects a broader cultural awakening rooted in heritage, nutrition and the urgent need for food security.
Sorghum saw a staggering increase from 176 933 hectares farmers planted last year to the 407 889 hectares put under the crop this season while pearl millet jumped from 57 359 hectares to 167 113 hectares.
Rapoko also experienced huge growth, with farmers planting 21 101 hectares compared to 11 796 hectares the previous year.
The surge in growing traditional grains represents a profound change in the agricultural landscape of Zimbabwe.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has documented this encouraging trend, noting that the increase in growing of traditional crops is a direct response to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
Many of these farmers, who once relied solely on high-value crops under contract farming, are now returning to their roots.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said people are going back to their tradition adding that they are now embracing traditional grains.
“People’s diets are changing, and they now consume healthy foods, which are mostly the food our forefathers used to eat,” she said.
The hectarage put under traditional grains this season is a beacon of hope not only for the farmers but also for the communities they nourish.
With many traditional crops on the verge of extinction, the resurgence is critical for preserving Zimbabwe’s heritage.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, a Government initiative aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, has played a vital role in financing the production of traditional crops. Alongside private sector involvement, the programme has empowered farmers to diversify their planting strategies, leading to improved food security and resilience against climate change.
“Traditional crops perform better than maize even under drought,” Mrs Nkomo said. “We now have access to markets, and the prices are good.”
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, president Dr Shadreck Makombe emphasised the high demand for small grains on the market.
“More people are now health conscious and even restaurants are now serving traditional food. Long back, demand for traditional food was low as it was perceived to be for the poor. Now the affluent are the ones who demand traditional food,” he said.
The increased awareness of the health benefits of consuming sadza or porridge made from traditional grains has turned the tide.
“We deliver to the GMB (Grain Marketing Board), and the prices are good,” Mrs Nkomo added, underscoring the tangible benefits of this shift.
With the season promising abundant rainfall and favourable growing conditions, the prospects for a fruitful harvest look brighter than ever.
Farmers are optimistic, their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they are contributing not only to their families’ well-being but also to the cultural heritage of their nation.
