Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
FARMERS have been challenged to transform agriculture into a technology-driven industry to ensure national food and nutrition security, maximise gains from their investments and help the country achieve its Vision 2030 targets.
This was said by the Information and Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera at the inaugural Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in Zimbabwe (FYFCZ) annual conference in Harare recently.
The event ran under the theme: “Harnessing the Youth Dividend, Coordinating Agricultural Value Chains and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Young Farmer Establishment and Growth.”
FYFCZ is a dynamic network of young, energetic and innovative farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs with the mission to make agriculture an attractive and lucrative career choice for future generations by ensuring farming is economically viable and less complicated.
“It is indeed with an immense and profound sense of purpose that I stand before you today.
“As a founding trustee of this organisation, I am pleased that a completely new generation is following our footsteps, claiming their space in history and joining this intergenerational network of passionate farmers and agro- professionals,” she said.
The Government acknowledges the existence of FYFCZ and its importance to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector and the economy at large.
“I am personally here today as a firm believer in your potential and champion of your cause and stamp on the fact that the 2nd Republic is committed to a modern green agricultural economy by 2030.
“My ministry will work closely with the FYFCZ to bring new and relevant technologies to the agricultural sector; it is a fact that the youth are more open to artificial intelligence (AI) and the unstoppable ICT revolution,” the minister added.
She called on farmers to embrace precision (smart) farming, a management strategy that uses modern technology and data analysis to optimise farming practices, as well as drone technology.
“My ministry is promoting and regulating the use of drone technology as agriculture moves beyond demonstration to full-scale deployment with smart chemical spraying and fertilisation.
“The Government has introduced the Presidential Internet Scheme, an initiative aimed at delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to all 2 400 administrative wards across Zimbabwe,” Minister Mavetera said.
The minister said every farmer must have connectivity from their farms and disclosed that agricultural business advisory officers (ABAO), formerly agriculture extension officers (AEOs), were the vital link between research and fields.
“Let’s realise the importance of embracing climate change and technology in all our programmes, this realisation is what will separate the most successful farmers from the mediocre.
“Through my ministry, I will bring ICT-linked initiatives to allow easy access for your members at the identified meeting places in the farming communities,” she continued.
Farmers must embrace digital skills in the whole production value chain from input procurement, cultivation to disposal of produce on the market and eventual payments.
FYFCZ president Mr Tinashe Muchedzi concurred, saying they were working towards a green-based economy anchored on digitally skilled young agricultural enthusiasts.
“We support the country’s thrust of attaining food and nutrition security and sovereignty and the overall improvement of livelihoods, by increasing productivity, industrialisation and development of value chains while promoting sustainable farming practices.
“The various opportunities on offer to farmers are contract farming, tractor and borehole drilling facilities, irrigation infrastructure facility, start-up loans and financing, access to land, domestic and export markets,” he said.
Mr Muchedzi revealed that it was vital to farm responsibly, protect and feed the soil while contributing towards a green Zimbabwe, a green Africa and ultimately a green World.
“ICT holds a significant role in the agricultural industry and how we incorporate technology within agriculture goes a long way in harnessing positive growth and sustainable development.
“It will enable farmers to access vital information to improve decision-making, optimising processes, crop and livestock management systems, risk management, e-commerce platforms, supply chain optimisation, traceability and not forgetting better market access and overall improved livelihoods for farmers,” he added.
