adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
January 3, 1969
THE Rhodesian Government’s agricultural diversification schemes have been so successful that 28 000 acres formerly under tobacco has been replaced by about 100 000 acres under other crops, said the Minister of Agriculture, Mr David Smith, last night.
He described the achievement as impressive, but added: “Unfortunately, the 1967-68 drought cancelled out some of the immediate impact of the scheme.
But nevertheless, it will do much to place Rhodesian agriculture on a sounder footing”.
The Government had spared no effort to keep the industry in the best possible state, although “I would not claim the agricultural picture is the one with which I am entirely satisfied.”
Mr Smith, who was speaking on radio and TV, said the Farm Irrigation Fund, which had so far made about £1,5 million available to farmers for water conservation, had brought 30 000 acres of irrigable land into production as well as opening up thousands of acres of good grazing land.
“We aim to build this fund up in the next few years to £2½m, and I want to stress that as loans are repaid, these monies also become available for further development.”
He said the Government had injected very substantial funds into agriculture, most of which had gone into measures of permanent benefit. He listed the efforts of the Government to help the industry, but said: “What must be stressed is that this is not assistance. It is development in its fullest sense – development of employment, development of trade and earning of foreign exchange – development of commerce, industry and banking. In short, development of Rhodesia.”
Mr Smith said that if one single factor emerged from the last three years it was the significance of Agriculture in the overall economy of the country.
“It’s well-being or otherwise influences the state of most other sectors”, said Mr Smith.
“We can be justly proud of what we have done, but we must never become complacent. With this in mind, we are determined to improve upon our research programme – for the findings of research are the forerunners of practical efficiency.”
He said the overall picture was encouraging and most of the credit must go to the individual farmer.
“But he is backed by a Ministry dedicated to the future of Agriculture. And I know that the agricultural industry is well-founded and able to meet the challenges of the future, whatever, they may be.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Crop diversification is the agricultural practice of cultivating a variety of crop types. This offers many benefits and could provide solutions to some of the key problems modern farmers face.
Crop diversification makes farms more environmentally friendly. This is because planting a variety of crops makes the soil healthier, which in turn reduces the need to use excessive amounts of fertiliser.
Diversified farming systems and agro-ecological approaches can support smallholder livelihoods and reduce hunger and poverty in both rural and urban communities.
Diversified agriculture is critical to feed the national population reliably and in perpetuity while mitigating against climate change and avoiding a collapse of the ecological systems on which human survival depends.
Zimbabwe under the New Dispensation has been on a drive to increase agricultural productivity to enhance food security.
Crop diversification should also get financial support, and suitable mechanisation so that it makes the intended economic impact.
Online Reporter