Online Reporter
Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent
THE Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, has said that innovation and value addition in small grains are essential for stimulating agricultural sector growth and strengthening climate change resilience through sustainable food security.
He made the remarks during the recent Midlands Investment Conference held in Gweru.
The Midlands Province is primarily located within agro-ecological regions four and five, areas noted for low rainfall and conducive to small-grain production.
“We want to see rural industrialisation in the form of traditional grain milling companies established in Mberengwa, Gokwe and Zvishavane, as these areas offer the most favourable conditions,” said Dr Masuka.
He highlighted the need for financial support and strategic partnerships to unlock the potential of traditional grains by ensuring farmers have access to resources and markets.
“Under the Second Republic, the Government is pushing for the industrialisation of the agricultural value chain in rural areas, aiming to boost productivity and profitability and to stem rural-to-urban migration,” said the minister.
He underlined the importance of agriculture in national development, adding that the Government is accelerating agricultural investments, particularly in irrigation development, to enhance resilience and strengthen the economy, with a target of 496 000 hectares of irrigable land by 2025.
The Rural Development 8.0 model in Zimbabwe aims to transform the rural economy through agricultural development, rural industrialisation and improved quality of life, with a focus on establishing business units and achieving Vision 2030 goals.
The Government is actively promoting small grain production and consumption, including providing input packages to farmers, supporting research and extension services and encouraging the use of small motorised grain threshers.
Research indicates that African countries have high levels of agricultural biodiversity and this should be leveraged by governments to prioritise local crops, fruits and vegetables that are well-adapted to local conditions, can produce high yields and are diverse and nutritious.
