Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The second Research and Extension Symposium aimed at addressing the challenges facing the agricultural industry, is set for next week and provides stakeholders a platform to share ideas on boosting the sector.
It is being organised by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS).
It will facilitate the sharing and dissemination of vital research results while providing a robust feedback mechanism on the adoption of new technologies and the challenges faced by farmers.
Agricultural research, innovation and specialist services chief director Dr Dumisani Kutywayo said: “The planned Research and Extension Symposium provides a platform for all stakeholders to converge for the purpose of sharing and disseminating research results.”
This event will not only showcase innovations, but also address the pressing needs of the agricultural community by collecting valuable feedback from farmers and extension workers.
It will run under the theme, “Transformative agricultural technologies accelerating the attainment of Vision 2030”.
Researchers, extensionists, university representatives, foreign experts and farmers are expected to exchange transformational ideas during discussions.
Participants will present scientific papers and poster presentations, showcasing transformative technologies and innovations that align with this year’s theme.
Dr Kutywayo encouraged experts to submit their papers in preparation for the programme.
“Researchers and extensionists from many directorates, including agricultural research innovation and specialist services (ARISS) and agricultural and rural development advisory services (ARDAS), are encouraged to submit their abstracts and participate actively,” he said.
The symposium will delve into an array of thematic areas critical to advancing agricultural practices.
Topics include crop breeding, seed systems, soil fertility management, livestock nutrition, aquaculture resources and irrigation technologies.
The comprehensive focus aims to address the multifaceted challenges within the agricultural sector, ensuring that discussions are both relevant and impactful.
The Ministry of Agriculture plays a pivotal role in supporting research and innovation through institutes, which provide essential research-based technologies and technical information that enhance agricultural productivity.
Dr Kutywayo highlighted the ministry’s commitment to research programmes.
“Dissemination of research results is done through review and planning meetings with stakeholders, field days, agricultural shows and scientific publications,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that there remains a significant need to strengthen the links between research and extension services to foster the adoption of new agricultural technologies.
The ARISS directorate is responsible for providing research-based technologies, technical information for advisory services and products towards supporting enhanced agricultural productivity and the production of various crops and livestock, with the exception of tobacco, tea, sugarcane, pigs and forestry. The directorate operates through 17 specialised institutes strategically located in different parts of the country to serve the all agroecological regions.
The institutes are organised into three departments that fall under the directorate, which are research services, crops research, and livestock and pasture research.
The symposium serves not only as an information dissemination platform but also as a venue for enhancing institutional visibility and nurturing young scientists. By creating an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation, the event aims to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Peter Tanyanyiwa