Agriculture Reporter
The revival of the country’s economy depends on the good performance of the agriculture sector, hence the need to finance and equip the sector, said President Mnangagwa at the official opening of the 111th edition of this year’s Harare Agriculture Show in Harare yesterday.
“Zimbabwe’s economic performance depends on developments in the agriculture sector. In this vein, I congratulate our farmers, agriculture input manufacturers and suppliers, among other stakeholders for the successes scored during the 2020/2021 agriculture season.
“Today we, thus celebrate the past season with anticipation of even greater growth in the upcoming 2021/2022 agriculture season,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President, who is also the Patron of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) further underscored the importance of modernizing rural communities to eradicate poverty.
“Following the favourable weather forecast of normal to above rainfall, I challenge our farmers to heighten all land preparation and associated activities. In line with the devolution thrust, my Government is resourcing provincial agriculture mechanization hubs with a greater sense of urgency.
“I exhort the sector to re-energize the provincial, district and ward agricultural shows to further enhance synergies, cooperation and collaboration within the sector,” said the President.
The President added that the Government will continue to provide responsive agriculture commodity marketing frameworks with viable producer prices and prompt payment to farmers.
President Mnangagwa added that his Government’s aim was to initiate development that leaves no one behind especially in rural areas.
“Economically productive rural areas are an essential guarantee to eradicating poverty and the realization of development, which leaves no one and no place behind. Our communal farmers and all farmers in general, working together in unity, are important for further precipitating market driven productivity for both the local and international markets,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said that although dams were being constructed across the country, the ultimate Government’s desire was to establish irrigation schemes across provinces and districts. He added that the establishment of irrigation schemes will ensure viable and profitable farming enterprises around the dams for the benefit of the people.
The President added that if people are united, the country can achieve great exploits. He challenged people not to be held back by temporary challenges or setbacks, but continue adapting to paradigms to unlock the opportunities in every sector of the economy.
This year’s show is being held under the theme “Synergies for Growth: Cooperate, Collaborate, Complement”, with the sub theme being “Celebrating Unprecedented Growth” in recognition of the remarkable strides in the agriculture sector.
