By Tendai Chisiri
The government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector, particularly small-scale farmers, and they are positive responses to current and planned programs aimed at spurring transformation and supporting climate-smart initiative said Ministy of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water And Rural Development l (MoLAFWRD) minister Dr. Anxious Masuka.
Speaking as a guest of honour at the climate smart agriculture breakfast meeting organised by Zimbabwe Agriculture Society and the Diplomatic Businesss Networking Club, Anxious Masuka said climat smart agriculture is the way to go. The breakfast meeting was held at Glamis Area, Showgrounds on Monday when the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show kicked off.
“Bilateral cooperation and collaboration with other countries are highly valued by the second Republic of Zimbabwe. We believe in a win-win situation that unlocks the potential of our agricultural sector. We have strengthened bilateral cooperation with several countries, fostering exchange of knowledge, expertise, , finance, and investment. The recent collaboration between Zimbabwe and Belarus exemplifies the positive bilateral relations that we champion towards sustainable agriculture”, Masuka said.
“The government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector, particularly small-scale farmers, and we are witnessing positive responses to our current and planned programs aimed at spurring transformation and supporting climate-smart initiatives. Our Rural 8.0 program, which supports development-oriented interventions targeting livestock and substitence farming, is already making a difference on many farms”, he revealed.
“Furthermore, we recognize the importance of investment in rural infrastructure. Adequate infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks, is essential for the efficient functioning of our agricultural value chains. We are committed to ensuring that our rural areas have the necessary infrastructure to support the growth and development of the agricultural sector”, added minister Masuka.
“Equally important is the provision of farmer training and extension services. By equipping our farmers with the knowledge and skills they need, we empower them to make informed decisions, adopt sustainable practices, and overcome challenges. We will continue to invest in comprehensive training programs and strengthen our extension services to reach all corners of our agricultural community”, elaborated Masuka.
“In our pursuit of a resilient agricultural sector, private sector engagement and public-private partnerships are critical. The collaboration between the government and private enterprises brings together diverse expertise, resources, and innovative solutions”, he stated.
He urged all participants to actively share their experiences, ideas, and insights. “Together, we can shape the future of our agricultural sector and ensure food security for our nation. Let us leverage this platform to forge partnerships, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions”, he said
“In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the organizers, sponsors, and participants for their contributions to this event. I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will achieve our vision of a resilient, sustainable, and productive agricultural sector. Let us continue to work hand in hand, with the support of organizations like the Diplomat Business Networking Club, to create an enabling environment for our farmers and secure a prosperous future for our nation” he added.
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