DIVERSIFY CROPS, RURAL FARMERS URGED

FARMERS in rural areas must embrace and enhance crop diversification to scale XS Gomestic and national food security, Rufunsa town council chairperson Bartholomew Kalambalala has said.

Mr Kalambalala was speaking during the Seed Diversity Fair held under the theme “Building resilient farming communities” organized by Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) at Kashika Village in Rufunsa ward in Rufunsa district.

He observed that local crops had largely been left out of the mainstream seed production.

"I am encouraging farmers in Rufunsa to take full ownership of programmes intended for their wellbeing. The onus to ensure continued availability of seed of suitable adapted varieties of traditional crops lies with the farmers and stakeholders such as the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT)," he said.

He said once farmers and stakeholders took up the role of making sure that there was enough traditional seed, it would help in the crop diversification initiative which was a national strategy for achieving both household and national food security.

"It is the policy of Government to diversify away from maize so that the country can be a true bread basket of the region, not just for maize but groundouts, soybeans, sunÀower, among others. It is gratifying to note that CTDT has taken an initiative to compliment government efforts in promoting food security that is based on agrobiodiversity, which also contributes to household nutrition.

The hardy local varieties and traditional crops are resilient and may help farmers cope with extremities of climate change," he said. Mr Kalambalala advised farmers to increase their levels of involvement and participation and take up full ownership of CTDT programmes that are targeted at their enhanced wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Rufunsa council public relations officer Rachel Chako said in an interview that the event was well attended and was fruitful.

"It was a success and the locals have welcomed CTDT's idea. We are hopeful that more farmers will take part and buy into the idea of making sure that there is enough traditional seed for diversification and nutritional benefits," Ms Chako said.

And CTDT Director Charles Nkhoma urged farmers not to neglect local seeds. "We are committed to working with Government in promoting the cultivation of local seed," he said.