Staff Reporter
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Crop Breeding Institute and HarvestPlus, has launched an innovative initiative aimed at bio-fortifying pearl millet.
This initiative seeks to address the growing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition by introducing climate-resilient crops that offer both nutritional benefits and increased productivity.
A crop breeder at ICRISAT, Dr. Albert Tsindi, explained the importance of diversifying crops in the face of climate change.
“While maize remains the staple food crop in Zimbabwe, the project emphasises the need for farmers to adapt by growing alternative crops like sorghum and finger millet. These crops are not only resilient to the changing climate but are also rich in essential nutrients, which can improve the health of local populations.
“We know maize remains the staple crop, but with climate change, we advise farmers to diversify their farming practices. They should consider growing crops like sorghum and finger millet, which offer numerous health benefits. These crops are better suited to the unpredictable weather patterns resulting from climate change, ensuring consistent yields and food security,” said Dr. Tsindi.
The initiative is not limited to urban areas as it also targets the most remote and dry regions of Zimbabwe.
“We are targeting the remotest villages. We will reach out to dry, remote areas to encourage farmers to grow these crops, boosting food security at the household level,” added Dr. Tsindi.
The partnership between ICRISAT, Government’sCrop Breeding Institute, and HarvestPlus is part of a broader effort to align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Through this innovative bio-fortification initiative, the Government and its partners are taking critical steps toward achieving these goals and improving the overall health and well-being of Zimbabwe’s rural population.
This initiative is a key component of Zimbabwe's broader vision for a sustainable, diversified, and climate-resilient agricultural sector, directly contributing to the national priorities outlined in NDS1.
By encouraging farmers to adopt more resilient and nutritious crops, ICRISAT and its partners are helping to build a stronger, more sustainable food system in Zimbabwe.
