Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
Agriculture News Editor
STAKEHOLDERS across the agriculture sector must embrace resilient innovations at every stage — from the farm gate to the market — to strengthen productivity and safeguard ecosystems over the long term, the Government has said.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the chief director in his ministry, Air Commodore Givemore Taveshure, during the Climate Change, Crop Protection, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries convergence conference organised by Zimpapers in collaboration with Agricura on Thursday.
Minister Masuka said there was a need for organisations to work closely to find solutions to challenges presented to the agriculture sector by climate change.
The conference was running under the theme “Scaling Resilient Innovations for a Sustainable Zimbabwe”.
He said climate change threatened food security, rural livelihoods, water resources and biodiversity and the resilience of the agriculture sector and there was an urgent need to act
“Climate change demands that we rethink how we produce food, manage livestock, protect crops and sustainably utilise our fisheries and water resources.
“The increase in invasive pests and plant diseases driven by changing weather patterns requires stronger surveillance systems, improved extension services, research-driven solutions and enhanced farmer education programmes.
“In this regard, collaboration among the Government, research institutions, seed houses, agrochemical companies and development partners should be strengthened to develop strong crop protection systems,” he said.
Dr Masuka said it was important for animal husbandry practices to evolve to withstand climate shocks while improving productivity and profitability.
“This includes investment in resilient breeds, pasture management, disease surveillance and livestock insurance mechanisms, feed innovations and improved veterinary services.
“ Livestock remains a critical economic and social asset for many rural communities and we must ensure its sustainability through innovation and modernisation,” he said.
Additionally, Minister Masuka said sustainable fisheries management, fish farming technologies and ecosystem protection were essential in unlocking the sector’s full potential while preserving aquatic biodiversity.
“Innovation alone cannot achieve the transformation we seek. Partnerships are critical. Government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the private sector, academia, development agencies, financial institutions, farmers’ unions, youth-led enterprises, women’s organisations and climate-focused institutions.
“Together we can mobilise investments, scale technologies, strengthen value chains and improve access to climate finance for farmers and agri-businesses. We must intentionally empower young people and women who constitute the backbone of our agricultural economy.
“Their participation in climate-smart agriculture, agritech innovation, fisheries development and sustainable livestock systems is essential for inclusive growth and long-term sustainability,” he observed.
Department of Veterinary Services deputy director, Epidemiology and Informatics, Dr Tapiwanashe Hanyire, urged farmers to take advantage of Government vaccination and dipping programmes to protect their livestock from tick-borne diseases.
He said tick-borne diseases accounted for 70 percent of cattle deaths nationally. The Government has since started manufacturing and acquiring vaccines for cattle and poultry.
“Government has manufactured 300 000 doses of January Disease vaccine, one million for Anthrax and 30 million doses for Newcastle disease against a national bird population of 21 million.
“We are currently trying to vaccinate cattle against anthrax in hot spot areas, “ he said.
Officials from Agricura also educated farmers on the use of biological and chemical control of pesticides, applications and safe use of the chemicals to enhance yields.
Zimnat Insurance agronomist, Mr Desmond Zimuto, advised farmers to insure their livestock, crops, infrastructure and equipment against climate-induced losses.
“Only five percent of farmers are insured. Most farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, which may be affected by heavy rains or drought and this is where insurance comes in.
Farmers can also insure their infrastructure or equipment. We have different insurance packages that farmers can access,” he said.
Farmers who attended the conference applauded Zimpapers for organising the important event, saying it was enlightening.
Mazowe District Agricultural Business Advisory Services officer, Mr Luke Mpambwa, said the conference presented a learning platform for many farmers.
“It is good for farmers to have such a platform where they can be equipped with knowledge and skills. This will enable them to make informed decisions and increase production,” he said.
Chiweshe farmer, Mrs Ketina Kunze of Nyamhunga Village, said she learnt a lot on crop protection and the safe use of chemicals.
“Now I know the available chemicals for different pests, correct application and the importance of protecting the environment,” she said.
