Chimene warns Agritex officers

Farming Reporters
EXTENSION workers are key to the socio and agric-economic transformation of the country by virtue of their agronomical expertise, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene has said. Cde Chimene said agriculturalists were a vital cog in development and should work diligently to ensure household and nutritional security.

She said their efforts contribute to the stability of the country because a hungry nation is ungovernable.
Cde Chimene said this at Mutare Hall last Friday as she interfaced with Agritex officers, agricultural specialists, representatives of seed companies and traditional leaders from Manicaland.

“Agritex officers are the key to political stability in this country or any other country where agriculture is practised.
“To me you are the commissars because you are the group of people that can either poison or build communities.

“You have influence on the people that you work with in the communities, the farmers, and I have come to realise that if you keep a grudge with an agricultural officer, the grudge spreads even to the community they serve. They will never forgive you till the officer does and tells them to do so,” said Cde Chimene.
She warned the officers against fictitious reports saying Government relies on their updates for planning purposes.

“The relationship between Agritex officers and farmers symbolises that of Government and the farmers. Government relies on reports and updates from Agritex officers on the ground.

“Do not work with estimates, but present accurate reports of what you have been doing with the farmers. That is what Government needs,” Cde Chimene stated.
Minister Chimene proposed that Government introduce uniforms for Agritex officers since they currently lack an identity.
“They are there, but invisible. They need an identity,” she added.

Provincial Administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa also urged the officers to properly advise farmers in their respective communities and tour their farms on a regular basis.
“Do not leave anything to chance, be hands on. Visit the farms constantly to give farmers proper advice on what to grow, how they should do and how they should look after their crops.

“The Government is fed up with Agritex officers who sleep on duty, ignoring their core mission and duty. Do not abuse your mandate, farmers need you and you should be there for them always,” said Mr Mbetsa.