The Zimbabwean government will soon roll out a large-scale programme for the production of table and Irish potatoes as a measure to boost the country’s food security. This was revealed by Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri on the side-lines of the 38th Joint Meeting for Sadc Ministers responsible for Water.
Zimbabwe is currently harvesting its 2018/19 season crop and is expecting 750 000 tonnes of maize and close to 200 000 tonnes in small grains which will leave the country in deficit.
The deficit will, however, be slashed as the country is sitting on a strategic grain reserve of 500 000 tonnes from the previous season.
President Mnangagwa is on record saying he will make sure that the country is food secure. Minister Shiri also noted that as high yielders, potatoes will give Zimbabwe more output compared to what the country can get from maize.
Source: herald.co.zw
