Zimbabwe increase awareness on organic farming

Agriculture experts should increase awareness campaigns and education for farmers on the use of organic farming to cushion the farming sector against the shortages of artificial fertilizers.

This call comes following a realisation that Zimbabwe is lagging behind in the use organic farming while other regional countries such as Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania were producing organic food.

Zimbabwe Organic Production and Promotion Association national patron Mr Ezekiel Makunike who is also producing crops organically said only a few farmers were practicing the system because many were not aware of its benefits.

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation.

"I am concerned that last year, we had no maize in the country because farmers did not get enough fertilizers but here I am expecting seven tonnes from my hectare of maize.

He added that there was need for agricultural extension officers to be trained on the subject so that they could extend the knowledge to farmers.

Stakeholders such as processors should also take part in the promotion of organic farming.

"There is also need to encourage research at agricultural colleges so that people understand the practice better.

"A number of countries are promoting the practice of organic farming for healthy reasons and Zimbabwe may find it difficult to export crops produced conventionally," said Mr Makunike.

"There is wide market for organic food in developed countries and Zimbabweans can take advantage of it to produce and export."

He said few farmers in the country were producing crops organically and yet the country did not have enough money to procure fertilisers.

Instead of fertilisers, farmers can use, compost manure, cattle manure and poultry manure.

Producing crops using the organic system is cheaper for farmers as they make use of the chicken and animal droppings as well as vegetable matter.

"It is interesting that fertilizer companies such as the ZFC have shown an interest in organic farming and were expecting to start producing organic fertilizers as well as artificial fertilizers.