by Staff Reporter
The Youth in Agriculture Apex Council has reiterated their position to defend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy status.
Speaking to this publication, the Agriculture Apex Council, Chief Executive Officer, Memory Chakwita, said that young people were keen to ensure food security in the country in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“As young people, we have learnt to augment Government efforts. We are not looking up to Government to provide employment, but we are creating employment for ourselves,” said Chakwita.
She emphasised on the need for discipline among the youth and revealed that there were some bad apples growing amongst the group who are hampering progress.
She further urged young farmers to appreciate the support they were getting from Government instead of criticizing Government efforts for cheap political grandstanding.
“We have other young people and organisations which are challenging Government’s efforts claiming that it is not doing enough. Some organisations are deterring progress through organising demonstrations against Government. Government is making efforts to empower the young people, hence the youths should appreciate,” lamented Chakwita.
Same further highlighted that the Agriculture Apex Council was apolitical and well represented in all provinces.
“The Council has an open door policy for every youth with ideas and projects. Currently, the Apex Council is spearheading the horticultural transformation projects in rural areas in line with President Mnangagwa’s directive,” alluded Chakwita.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Youth Desk Coordinator, Nikros Kajengo applauded Government for its continued support of young farmers. Mr Kajengo revealed that some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD) were coming on board, investing through youths in agriculture.
“We have so far received tremendous support from these organisations. They are heeding international calls to invest in energetic young people to drive economies,” said Kajengo.
He further reiterated that the Youth Desk was guided by President Mnangagwa’s directive for youths to be incorporated in economic transformation.
Kajengo added that the Youth Desk was geared to drive agricultural transformation through the involvement of young people. He urged young farmers to remain disciplined and learn from seasoned farmers.
Government recently urged youths to be involved in horticulture, animal husbandry, agro-forestry, value addition of all agricultural produce and use of technology in modern farming methods.
