Online Reporter
Zimpapers Correspondent
ESIGODINI Agricultural College recently hosted a week-long training programme aimed at equipping farmers with practical skills to improve productivity and transform farming into a viable business venture.
The training programme ran from January 19 to 30 and attracted farmers from various communities seeking to enhance their technical and commercial farming knowledge.
In an interview, lecturer Mr Zibusiso Nxumalo said the initiative was designed to empower farmers with hands-on skills and basic principles that promote productivity and profitability.
“These farmers acquired practical skills through short courses focusing on production for increased output and profit-making. The idea is to help them view farming not just as a livelihood, but as a business,” he said.
Mr Nxumalo said the training combined both theory and practical sessions, exposing participants to a wide range of agricultural enterprises.
“We offered training in pen fattening, piggery, farm and agribusiness management, farm structures and safety, horticulture, fodder and forage production, sheep and goat rearing, poultry production, fruit tree farming and mushroom production,” he said.
Mr Nxumalo added that the programme forms part of the college’s community outreach mandate, which seeks to strengthen links with farming communities and other key stakeholders.
College principal Mr Farai Gomo said the institution plans to continue offering the short courses every semester break, specifically in January and July.
“Many farmers are already involved in farming but lack formal training.
“They may not be able to enrol for a three-year diploma programme, so these short courses provide them with an opportunity to gain practical skills that can immediately improve their day-to-day farming activities,” he said.
Mr Gomo said the college remains committed to supporting agricultural development by building farmers’ capacity and promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices.
