By Innocent Mujeri
Young farmers are key to the development and success of the agricultural industry and should be supported so that they can maximise production in their farms.
This was said by Vice President (RTD) General Dr.Constantino Chiwenga during the officiating of the National Young Farmers Awards held in the capital today.
“The starting point is an appreciation that young farmers are key to the development and success of the agricultural industry. I therefore urge the Ministry to work with various stakeholders and encourage smallholder farmers and the youths to be involved in horticulture, animal husbandry, value addition of all the agricultural produce and the use of technology and modern farming methods. Young farmers should develop viable agri-business,” said VP Chiwenga.
The Vice President further said agriculture is the backbone of the economy hence the Government continues to give support to the agricultural industry.
“Our Government in its drive to ensure an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030 has prioritised agricultural production and its value chains. The agriculture sector continues to be the backbone of our economy, contributing between 16 and 20 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 490 percent of exports,” said the Vice President
The Vice President also said Zimbabwe’s economy is agro based and Government continues to give priority to the agricultural sector through various programmes such as Farm Mechanisation, where a certain quota is reserved for the youths.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Honourable Anxious Masuka, said there are many opportunities in agriculture and other sectors and said youths should be financially empowered so that they can reach their full potential
“Opportunities abound in agriculture and other sectors for the youth if they are sufficiently empowered. The youth present an opportunity to boost economic growth, increase employment and reduce poverty,” said Minister Masuka.
The National Young Farmers Awards, have become a national event to award hardworking young farmers who are contributing to the economic development of the country.
