Dorcas Rumano

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched and opened this year’s Agriculture Dealers and Manufactures Association (ADMA) at Borrowdale Race Course, Harare last Friday.

Speaking to exhibitors, President Mnangagwa commended the stakeholders for organising the 3rd edition of ADMA which is an interactive platform for farmers.

“I commend your organisation and your stakeholders once again for organising this event and subscribing to Government programmes through the delivery of critical farm equipment and component. Success in agriculture is without doubt a result of consented efforts among all critical players; hence this agriculture show is most significant.

“I’m also aware that this event has been organised to provide an interactive learning platform where farmers and value chain players gather to share ideas and experiences. As you network, I urge you to be mindful of my Government’s desire to urgently modernise and mechanise every aspect of our agriculture sector,” he said.

President Mnangagwa highlighted that the Agricultural sector creates employment opportunities, employing more than half of the working population and that Government would continue to implement agricultural programmes and policies.

“As you are all aware, the agriculture sector and its value chain industries are at the core of our economy providing the bulk of the raw materials for our manufacturing sector and employing about 65% of the working population. The Government shall continue to implement innovative agricultural programmes and adopt robust policies to further reinvigorate the sector,” he said.

He also said, “Farmers are encouraged to adopt contemporary smart agriculture practices. Researchers and agronomists among others should accelerate the development of home grown farming solutions and inputs which best suit our weather patterns, soil types and topography. Let us modify and reorient our agricultural systems to be able to increase our agricultural productivity and guarantee food security despite the ever changing climate.”

President Mnangagwa said that Government would continue to support such private sector led and Government enabled economic developments as explained in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).

He highlighted that ADMA’s response to Government farm mechanisation and irrigation development initiative has been impressive. 170 exhibitors showcased their agricultural products at this years’ ADMA show.