Chieftainess Mpanshya of the Soli People of Rufunsa District has commended stakeholders that are promoting the cultivation of indigenous local seeds in mitigating the effects of climate change.

ZANIS reports that Chieftainess Mpanshya urged her subjects to embrace the indigenous seeds that CTDT is promoting so as to enhance food and nutrition at household level.

The traditional leader was speaking when she graced Seed and Food Fair festival organized by Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) under the theme “Traditional/ Indigenous seeds for seed sovereignty, Food and Nutritional security in a changing climate” held at Chimusanya seed bank yesterday, 

And speaking at the same event Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena said the government remains committed to prioritizing agriculture and ensuring that indigenous seeds remain sovereign in the country.

Mr Mabena said the commercialized seed varieties undermine seed sovereignty and farmers rights.

He said it was for this reason that small scale farmers need to be encouraged to grow traditional seeds.

Kasisi farming institute is among other stakeholders working with CTDT in the promotion of the cultivation of indigenous seeds and has encouraged small scale farmers to embrace the cultivation of indigenous seeds.

Meanwhile the department of agriculture in Rufunsa district has pledged its full support to farmers who have engaged in the cultivation of indigenous seeds.