Itai Gava, a farmer at Chinyika Irrigation Scheme in Goromonzi hosted the NERICA 7 rice demonstration plot
As part of its collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project has hosted 2 rice demonstration plots in the year. The purpose of hosting the demo plots was to cultivate adoption of the Nerica variety, which is an upland variety that can thrive under irrigation. Farmers at Chinyika Irrigation Scheme, which hosted one of the rice demos expressed interest in cultivating the cereal on a larger scale.
Mr Itai Gava said, “I hosted this rice demo which was supported by SACP. We were also given fertilisers, which included Compound C. We applied the rice in stages until it reached the stage where it is now.
The variety that we cultivated is Nerica 7.Most farmers are pleased to see this crop. Many farmers were initially surprised that rice could be grown here.
We also sprayed chemicals and ensured that it is adequately irrigated. We have realised that this is a good crop, which we are considering growing on a larger scale in the future. Many farmers are happy with the rice and have expressed interest in growing it in the future.”
Salangani Gatawa of Goromonzi is excited to have hosted a demonstration plot for upland rice, promoted by the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project and the Department of Research and Specialist Services.
“When officers from the Department of Research and Specialist Services first brought the rice seed, we didn’t think much of it. After I saw the way the other Nerica 7 variety was performing, I asked for some seed. However, they no longer had the Nerica 7 and gave me this variety. This is Nerica 1, which I planted here. On planting, I used Compound D and it grew well. Before the rice booted, we applied top dressing. This rice programme is excellent. When other farmers pass through here they are amazed. At first, they thought it was wheat, but I explained that this is a new rice variety brought by the Department of Research. Many farmers who did not participate in the demo plots are eager to grow this rice.
When it started booting, it would produce an aroma like its being cooked. Next season I want to cultivate a bigger portion for rice, maybe one hectare. Were informed that the rice takes 120 days to mature.”
Salangani Gatawa, from Chinyika Irrigation Scheme hosted the Nerica 4 rice demo at her plot in Chinyika Irrigation Scheme in Goromonzi
