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Manicaland Correspondent
THE Forestry Commission in Manicaland Province has intensified the production of fruit and citrus tree seedlings in line with Command Agroforestry targets.

Manicaland forestry extension manager Mr Philip Tom said they had intensified their afforestation programmes through encouraging farmers to embark on growing fruit trees with the ultimate goal of boosting food security and environmental conservation.

“The programme has the dual purpose of achieving food security and environmental conservation. In light of the current uncertainties caused by climate change, fruit trees offer alternatives for farmers to fall back on in the event of crop failure due to drought,” he said.

“Trees are more resilient to the effects of drought compared to annual crops. Therefore farmers with fruit tree orchards or those who have inter-cropped their crops with fruit trees are guaranteed food security.”

Mr Tom urged farmers to venture into agroforestry, which he said had a lucrative market.

“Besides providing communities with food, fruit trees are also reliable sources of revenue through the sale of fruits or fruit seedlings,” he said. “We are moving towards an economy driven by technology and value addition therefore agroforestry is an opportunity for farmers to make money.

“In addition, fruit trees also provide environmental services such as mitigating the effects of climate, protecting soil from erosion and providing wind shields.”

Mr Tom said they were working with farmers to raise awareness on the benefits of agroforestry and encouraged farmers to adopt agroforestry in order to spread the risks associated with adverse weather and broaden their income streams.

The Forestry Commission has set a target of producing one million improved variety fruit tree seedlings at its central nurseries at Watsomba and Christmas Pass in Mutasa district this year.

Forests play an important role in regulating climate change variability and providing other ecosystem services.