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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AGRICULTURAL colleges across the country are on a campaign to support the drive towards food self-sufficiency.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s education services department and agricultural colleges, are coming up with agro-enterprises that are producing food for the nation.
As Zimbabwe has adopted the Pfumvudza/Intwasa climate-proofed agriculture programme, agricultural colleges have also embraced the model, with Gwebi Agricultural College in Mashonaland West, having established about 90 plots.
The college has set aside a few demo plots for further studies, as students and teaching staff seek to enhance the model that has improved the country’s average maize yield per hectare from below a tonne to above two tonnes.
Speaking at the Pfumvudza/Intwasa launch for agricultural colleges in the province at Gwebi yesterday, Gwebi principal Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said through the Education 5.0 model that emphasises practicals as opposed to just theory, the college was in a position to produce grain for its needs while the excess is sold.
“As Gwebi, we are going forward with what we are here to do,” she said. “This winter, we managed to produce wheat and at least 50 tonnes were taken to the Grain Marketing Board. We want these students to learn before they join you in the field as we are teaching practicals on top of the theory aspect.”
Teaching practicals, she said, helps cement research, training, innovation, entrepreneurship and advisory services and extension.
Mrs Sibanda said Gwebi College was aiming to surpass the average tonnage per hectare under Pfumvudza/Intwasa as it employs studies and research.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry agricultural education services director Mr Jotamu Dondofema said the Government was pushing for human capital development for entrepreneurship so that land is fully used.
He challenged communities to approach agricultural colleges for advice from lecturers and learners.
Mr Dondofema, who has been tasked to spearhead and monitor the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in Zvimba District, said the uptake of the scheme was pleasing.
Mashonaland West is targeting to have over 475 000 farmers benefit from Pfumvudza/Intwasa, which translates to about 113 000 hectares.
The participation of colleges, staff and students is set to boost maize output in the province.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, who was the guest of honour, lauded Gwebi for rallying behind the Government’s call for a sustainable and climate-proofed agriculture model in the wake of an El Nino weather pattern projected for this season.
“I am pleased to witness that Gwebi College is one of many other farmer field schools where we are learning and sharing information on Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and it dovetails well with the training being done here at Gwebi College.
“I am told that the students are participating in the programme and what we are witnessing today are plots prepared by students and staff here at Gwebi College. A total of 96 plots have been prepared by students and maize is going to be planted in these plots.”
Minister Chombo appreciated the training of farmers being done by Gwebi College and Agritex, saying the development will equip farmers.
Online Reporter