‘Sugar bean production way to go’

Farmers in Zimbabwe must not underestimate the value of pulse production of crops such as sugar beans in improving their income streams and liquidity.

Seed Co head of production, Mr Farayi Zvavamwe, said this at a sugar bean seed production virtual symposium last week.

He said many farmers in the country were still unaware of the profitability and other benefits of pulses such as sugar beans.

“Most farmers need to understand the strategic nature of sugar bean production to their farming operations,” Mr Zvavamwe said. “Sugar bean is part of seed we call orphan crops and we don’t seem to be giving it the glamour we should be giving it.”

As a result, he said, sugar bean was neglected as a crop alternative.

Zimbabwe’s largest seed company Seed Co hosted the symposium to enhance productivity, sustainability and boost the country’s food security position.

The company said it was partnering non governmental organisations and donor agencies to create profitable businesses that will definitely benefit and sustain farmers.

“Our agenda is to find ways to work with these institutions to create sustainability and food security in Zimbabwe by knowledge sharing and showcasing our products,” the company said.

Mrs Wendy Madzura, a Seed Co agronomist said diversification into sugar bean seed production could promote farm viability through improved incomes and options.

“Sugar beans is a crop of economic importance with a potential Return On Investment (ROI) of two to three dollars for every dollar invested,” she said.

“The recent rainfall activity recorded across the country has brought relief to farmers. There is increased farming activity. Farmers need to take up the growing of sugar bean seed.

“It is a nutritious crop and a crop with numerous benefits to the environment. We must look at agriculture as a business and not as a way of life in Africa. We need to contribute to improving food and nutrition security of our continent. Sugar beans can help us unlock that value.”

Sugar beans is a crop with a wide market range, making it profitable to grow for commercial use, provided the yield levels are optimised.

It is also a crop of significant importance in the drive towards sustainable agriculture, because of its nitrogen-fixing ability which enhances soil fertility, Madzura said.

Sugar beans accounts for a significant percentage in the gross agricultural production in Zimbabwe and the Government has been on a drive to promote production to boost food security, especially in drought-prone areas like Masvingo, parts of the Midlands and Matabeleland.

Beitbridge West, Middle Sabi and parts of Marondera were some of the areas where yields were the highest in the country. Sugar bean is rich in proteins, minerals, is drought resistant and increases soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Seed Co pays farmers US$1 860 per tonne of sugar bean seed which is converted to local currency.-herald.cl.zw