adminAshley Mujoma
GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the private sector, has launched an 11 Ton Plus Club competition with the aim of creating excitement, and a competitive spirit, among farmers in the maize production sub-sector.
The launch was held at the Agricultural Research Trust (ART) Farm in Harare yesterday.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said when farmers compete, their yields become better.
“Creating competition is a way of motivating our farmers to produce more and more. A 10 percent increase in agricultural productivity results in a seven percent reduction in poverty, hence Government’s thrust in upscaling productivity levels across the several sub-sectors of the crop production sector,” he said.
Basera said the 11 Ton Plus Club Maize competition is meant to recognise efforts by farmers, and boost national food security.
The mission is to restore the country’s status as the breadbasket of Southern Africa. “We have introduced this competition together with our private sector colleagues to create excitement, and a competitive spirit, in the maize production sub space.
“The 11 Ton Plus Club is also a source and platform for social, and technical capital, as this encourages cross pollination of ideas, practices and techniques,” he said.
Online Reporter