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Herald Reporter
AS Zimbabwe seeks to revitalise its agriculture sector – the country’s backbone – farmers have been challenged to transition from chemical fertilisers to organic alternatives to boost yields and restore soil health.
The call was made by Ms Vaida Kontrimaite, managing director of agri-inputs distribution firm Humuson Complex, during the inaugural Raregold Agricultural Excellence Expo 2025, held at Raregold Farm in Glen Forest, 25km north of the capital.
The event gathered farmers, input suppliers, and agribusiness stakeholders, highlighting the urgent need for Zimbabwe to move away from ammonium nitrate – a post-World War II-era fertiliser – toward eco-friendly organic solutions that enhance long-term soil fertility.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector significantly contributes to GDP and employment; however, decades of reliance on chemical fertilisers have degraded arable land, reducing productivity.
Said Ms Kontrimaite: “While much of the world has shifted toward organic fertilisers, Zimbabwean farmers largely continue to use outdated methods, leading to diminishing soil health and lower crop resilience.”
She emphasised the drawbacks of chemical fertilisers.
“Chemical fertilisers have dominated the industry, but they weaken soil structure over time,” she said.
In contrast, she pointed out that organic fertilisers “restore nutrients, improve water retention and promote sustainable farming.”
Recognising the gap in Zimbabwe’s organic fertiliser market, Humuson Complex is importing adaptable solutions from Lithuania to help local farmers transition without compromising short-term yields.
This initiative aims to ensure farmers can improve soil health while maintaining productivity in the immediate term.
The two-day Raregold Agricultural Excellence Expo, themed “Agriculture Transformation for a Competitive, Inclusive, and Sustainable Future”, promotes knowledge-sharing and showcases the latest developments in the sector.
Set in the lush environs of Glen Forest, Raregold Farm exemplifies sustainable agricultural production, focusing on specialty food crops grown using environmentally friendly methods.
Participants at the expo are engaging in networking opportunities, discussing market penetration strategies, and exploring farmer-buyer linkages.
The event is set to be officially opened today by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, who will preside over the prize-giving ceremony to recognise outstanding exhibitors for their contributions to the industry.
Online Reporter