Small grains farmers seek better markets 

Small grains farmers from Tsholotsho have appealed for assistance in sourcing markets for their produce.

The farmers are requesting authorities involved in the marketing chain of small grains and other products to help them sell their produce.

Due to the nature of climate change in Matabeleland North province, Tsholotsho district is suitable for small grains due to their drought resistant nature.

Provincial Agricultural Extension Officer Dumisani Nyoni told the ZBC News crew that to develop the district’s agricultural sector there is need for an established market for small grains produce.

“The farmers are now skilled and they produce good groundnuts and small grains, the major challenge they are facing is that there is less buyers for the grains. We urge stakeholders and seed companies to support and buy seeds from the district farmers,” said Nyoni.

Last year, 1200 farmers in Tsholotsho benefited from a small grains programme whose aim was to ensure food security and seed production in the area.

It is also a drought mechanism strategy reducing dependence on crops such as maize which require significant amount of rains to thrive.

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