Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Business Development Markets and Trade Department is drafting a five‑year strategic plan to map out a long‑term growth trajectory for the agribusiness industry.
The agribusiness industry is crucial as it drives the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment for a significant chunk of the population.
This has seen the Government undertake reforms to reduce bureaucracy and fees to boost investment across the agriculture sector.
Major crops in Zimbabwe include tobacco, maize and sugarcane, but more opportunities exist in horticulture, agro-processing, livestock and irrigation services and precision agriculture.
The ministry’s Business Development Markets and Trade Department chief director, Mr Clement Taderera Bwenje, said a bold re‑orientation of Zimbabwe’s agribusiness landscape was critical.
“The department’s core mandate is to grow businesses, farmers, private players and the ministry’s departments by ensuring that every link in the value chain turns to profit.
“Our role is to create an environment for farmers to make money, allow the private sector to make money, allow the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to be able to deliver service in a well-functioning market,” he said.
He said the department was now laser‑focused on reshaping commodity marketing by instituting formal, standards ‑ driven markets with consistency in quality and supply.
dyton mupawaenda