Zim to to launch widespread marketing and distribution of high nutrient crop seed varieties

The Government of Zimbabwe through; the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with FAO, Harvest Plus and other partners, will be launching widespread marketing and distribution of high nutrient crop seed varieties - Vitamin A maize and iron and zinc beans for the 2016/2017 Agricultural Season

The ceremony will be held on 18 August at SeedCo Stapleford Deport.

These crops were produced through a conventional crop breeding process that increased their micronutrient levels. If produced and consumed regularly as part of the diet, evidence has shown that they will contribute to the prevention and reversing of micronutrient deficiencies. These crops will be most beneficial to population groups who are vulnerable to deficiencies in micronutrients such as vitamin A, zinc and iron, such as women and children.

The vitamin A orange maize and high iron and zinc bean varieties have been bred and developed in Zimbabwe by the Department of Research and Specialist Services in the MAMID in collaboration with CIMMYT, CIAT and PABRA.

Promotion of these crops as well as the planned launch ceremony is part of a component of the UK Aid funded Livelihood and Food Security Program (LFSP), that focuses among other things on promoting production and consumption of these high nutrient staple crops as well as other crops and livestock for dietary diversity and improved nutrition status of women and children in Zimbabwe. The launch of the orange vitamin A maize and high iron and zinc bean varieties supports the Government's fortification strategy launched in November 2015.