Zimbabwe steps up bid to cut rice imports

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ZIMBABWE is making a renewed push to increase rice production as it aims to cut imports of the commodity by US$100 million, with authorities stepping up efforts to encourage smallholder farmers to grow the crop locally.
This comes as the government has enlisted the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to explore the possibility of using a new drought- and disease-resistant rice variety known as New Rice for Africa (Nerica).

Officiating at a rice summit held in Harare last week, chief director of research and innovation in the ministry of Agriculture, Dumisani Kutywayo, said smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe can raise production to meet national demand.