Staff Reporter
Japanese Government, through its embassy in Harare, donated a substantial amount of fertilizer to Zimbabwe.
The handover ceremony, which took place yesterday at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale depot, saw the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Yamanaka Shinichi, officially presenting 3,600 metric tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate and 1,940 metric tonnes of Compound D fertilizer to the Zimbabwean Government.
The donation, which is expected to benefit approximately 100 000 small-scale farmers across the country, was received by Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Shinichi underscored the importance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
"Japan recognizes the critical role that agriculture plays in Zimbabwe’s economy and in ensuring food security for its people. This donation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening the ties between our two countries and supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity," he said.
Ambassador Shinichi went on to highlight the timing of the donation, emphasizing its importance in mitigating the effects of the El Niño-induced drought that has severely impacted Zimbabwe and other countries in the region.
“The El Niño phenomenon has brought unpredictable weather patterns, leading to prolonged dry spells that have threatened crop yields and, consequently, the livelihoods of countless farmers, by providing these essential fertilizers, we aim to empower Zimbabwean farmers to better withstand these challenging conditions, ensuring that they can still produce sufficient crops despite the adverse weather,” Shinichi explained.
Deputy Minister Haritatos expressed the Government’s gratitude for the generous donation, highlighting its significance in improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.
"This donation will go a long way in boosting our agricultural production, especially for our small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these inputs. The support from Japan comes at a crucial time as we prepare for the upcoming farming season,"
“We are committed to ensuring that this fertilizer reaches the farmers who need it most, and we will work closely with our partners to achieve this goal,” deputy minister Haritatos noted.
The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further collaboration in the agricultural sector, as well as other areas of mutual interest. The Japanese Embassy, in a statement following the event, reiterated its readiness to continue supporting Zimbabwe’s development initiatives.
Meanwhile, this latest donation is seen as a continuation of the positive relations between Zimbabwe and Japan, with the two nations celebrating over 40 years of diplomatic relations. As Zimbabwe continues to navigate economic challenges, international partnerships such as this one are increasingly critical in supporting the country’s development efforts.
