By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira says the ministry shall continue to research on nutritional value of traditional foods which are found in the country and the findings will be documented for the benefit of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the provincial Cookout Competition held at the University of Zimbabwe, Prof Murwira said the ministry would start focusing on growing heritage crops, herbs and fruits using innovations based on science, technology and innovation to grow and value add that food.
“In that respect, at the University of Zimbabwe through the Future Grains for Africa programme, UZ is researching on the whole value chain of traditional grains from seed varieties improvement, agronomy, including research and production of machinery used in the thrashing of the traditional grains.
“At Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology they are doing research and mass production of traditional vegetables.
“At Midlands State University, they are doing research and development on traditional fruit trees resulting in production of juice, wines and medicines from the industrialization of their research and innovations,” Prof Murwira said.
He said the ministry appreciates the spearheading of Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe which is heritage based.
“Gastronomy Tourism is rapidly growing in this day ad age and is adding to the attractiveness of destinations.
“Travelers, when they visit destinations, they want to eat and, in most cases, they are after traditional dishes which are different from other destinations,” he said.
He applauded the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for the Cookout Competitions initiative which inspire people on the importance of growing and cooking traditional food that grow in Zimbabwe’s unique environment thereby benefitting from heritage.
“The State (what is your mood or state of mind, positive, negative) influences your story (bad state, ad story) and your story influences your strategy.
“We appreciate the Cookout programme and Cookout competitions being rolled out throughout the country, teaching our young boys and girls the importance of our traditional foods,” he said.
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