In the face of climate change effects ,Mutasa North legislator has heeded the call to adapt by rolling out a small grain initiative to hundreds of households in her constituency.
By Michelle Chifamba
Mutasa North Member of Parliament Chido Madiwa highlighted how the small grain project was necessitated by the need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
“I realised that owing to the effects of climate change there was the need for me to lead in adaptation methods by donating finger millet(rukweza) grain to grow to some households in my constituency,” said the Zanu PF MP.
She added that so far over 100 households from Gwiriri village have benefitted from the first batch of the small grain while close to the same number of households will also get their fair share soon.
“Recently I was in Gwiriri village where 105 households benefitted from the finger millet(rukweza) grain seeds I donated and will soon also give over a 100 households for this farming season ,”she added.
According to the legislator who is also the chairperson of the women and gender parliamentary portfolio committee, the small grain project will be on a rotational basis with beneficiaries expected to cede 5kgs of their harvest for the sustainability of the initiative.
Finger millet is hailed for its adaptability to both dry and wet conditions. It is also nutritious and it is believed to possess health benefits that include lowering blood cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels especially for those who suffer from diabetes.
For this agricultural season, government has set aside 15 000 tonnes of traditional grain seed to sponsor farmers willing to grow small grains seed which are drought-resistant to ensure food security.
