Muchaneta Chimuka
Eighty-six students graduated on Friday at Gwebi Agriculture College during a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Of the 86 graduates, 36 were female and 49 were male. Dr Masuka congradulated the students saying that the ceremony marks an important milestone since the 86 students graduated with a 99 percent pass rate a mile stone in the agriculture sector.
“I congratulate the graduates on this important milestone,” Dr Masuka said. “Your graduation marks the culmination of years of learning, practical training, discipline, and perseverance..
“I also want to thank the parents and guardians who have provided the support ecosystem that has facilitated the completion of your studies.”
Dr Masuka handed over a token of appreciation of US$500 to one of the students Abide Chitiyo.
He urged communities to value add their agriculture produce such that they can use the products during drought season.
“The 2026/ 2027 season is predicted to be characterised by below normal rainfall,” he said.
“In response, Government has developed a robust and inclusive six-pillar drought mitigation strategy comprising: Enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve, Pillar 2: Accelerated Climate-Smart Production, Pillar 3: Integrated Financing Architecture, Pillar 4: Livestock Drought Mitigation, Pillar 5: Enhanced Imports and Pillar 6: Coordination, Early Warning Systems and Capacity Building Support.
“With such a bold plan, Zimbabwe should emerge more united, more resilient, and better prepared for future droughts.
“Let’s not throw away food, we should cook the food that we can finish because we have realised that food wasting has become a big problem for Africa.
“The President, His Excellency, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa has consistently reminded us with his simple, yet deeply philosophical mantra that “Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo, saka Nyika inorimirwa nevene vayo.”.
He thanked the Chinese partners who are growing Juncao grass which he said will be stocked and used during the drought season.
Gwebi Agricultural College Principal, Engineer Reuben Muzenda, highlighted how they are making strides to ensure that they brace for the Super El Niño
“Today we have 86 graduates, a composition of graduates is 36 females and 49 males, which is 44 percent females and 56 males,” he said.
“Pleasingly, more young women are graduating as agricultural professionals. We are doing livestock mitigation programmes and we rely on the Chinese Juncao grass as fodder. We also work with local communities in mushroom production.”
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said food production and security is key for national development.
The event is held under the theme: “Innovation, Adaptation in the Advent of Climate Change and Variability: Advancing Smart Agriculture, Combating Hunger for Sustainable Food Security For The Nation Towards Vision 2030”.
