By Christopher Makaza

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka on Friday officially launched Mashonaland West Youth Chapter a brain child of Youth in Agriculture Apex Council.

The Agriculture Apex Council was born out of the need to articulate youth in agriculture issues at policy and implementation level, advocating and coordination of the issues affecting youth in Agriculture.

Addressing young farmers at the event Minister Mliswa-Chikoka urged them to fully utilise agricultural land they are using, highlighting that Government is in the process of identifying underutilized farm with a view to downsize them and give to landless citizens especially the youths.

"I want to encourage you, young farmers, to work extra hard on your farms, you are the ones who still have a lot of energy.

"When the President first launched this programme in Harare last year he had vision 2030 in mind. He was doing it for the youth, we must understand that this year was declared by the president year of action and production," she said.

She encouraged people who own large farms which are not fully utilised to volunteer downsizing them so that others benefit.

"I want to encourage people with underutilised farms to seed their land before the government downsizes them on their behalf. More youths are crying for land some even went to agricultural schools but they do not own a piece of land," she said.

Speaking at the same event Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos appreciated the role being played by the youth in Agriculture despite challenges they are facing which include access to land, limited knowledge, skills in agriculture, finance and limited awareness of the sector opportunities.