by Grace Chekai
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement is acknowledging the efforts being done by women in uplifting the economy using modern farming technologies following a visit to Nomhle Mliswa’s Summerhill Farm yesterday. The visit was in line with the commemorations of World Women`s Day which will take place on 8 March 2020.
Posting on his Face book account yesterday, the Deputy Minister for the ministry Honourable Vangelis Haritatos wrote, “Smart-Agro Field Schooling Day-Summerhill Farm, Doma 29 February 2020 Powered by the Women in Agriculture Union (WAU) “Female Force of Farming”. We have seen amazing work that is a clear testimony that women can do it.”
The Minister encouraged Women in Agriculture Union to help other women to partner with WAU saying that it is such a beneficial partnership.
“Summerhill Farm has shown us positive impact of what a woman can do with a combination of the right partnership technology and mechanization. Women in Agriculture Union (WAU), I am urging you to assist more women to get into such beneficial partnerships.
“As witnessed it is important that once you have entered into a partnership, you become hands-on, and not become a cell phone farmer as we have witnessed with a lot of our farmers,” posted the Minister.
Honourable Haritatos said that transformation of the agriculture sector is the bedrock to Zimbabwe`s economic transformation which will thrust the country towards attainment of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of making Zimbabwe an Upper Middle-Income economy adding that transformation of agriculture will result in improved agricultural markets and trade.
“Our Ministry, in achieving transformation of agriculture, will enable improved delivery on irrigation and mechanization development, agricultural markets and trade, digitalized agriculture, good soil fertility and better services for agribusinesses, elements of which we witnessed at the field day,” said the Minister.
Mliswa is the Managing Director of her own farming enterprise, Summerhill Farm which is on a 345 hectare (220 arable) farm.
The Farm is a diversified modern farm with all aspects of humanity in Agriculture ranging from cattle ranching, poultry farming, horticulture, grain, soya beans, potatoes and wheat, precision farming which is climate sensitive.
The minister said that the farm is also involved in look and learn visits as it is frequently visited by people from churches, schools, and other countries, providing education for anyone who needs it.
President Mnangagwa is on record encouraging women to be industrious so as to empower them in both the socio-economic and political spheres.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting organised by the Professional Women Executives and Business Women`s Forum (PROWEB) in Harare on 9 October 2018, he said that the Government is determined to increase women`s involvement in the mainstream economy.
