Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
FORTY-SIX farmers from across the country have graduated from Esigodini Agricultural College after completing an intensive two-week agricultural short course aimed at improving productivity, strengthening agribusiness skills and supporting the country’s drive towards food security in line with Vision 2030.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday at the college in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province, marked the completion of the second cohort of farmers trained this year under the programme.
The initiative targets farmers already involved in agricultural production but who lack formal training, equipping them with practical knowledge to improve yields, embrace climate-smart farming and manage their enterprises as profitable businesses.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) Matabeleland South manager Mr Ndodana Ncube commended the graduates for investing in knowledge that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
“Today marks an important milestone in the lives of 46 dedicated farmers who have successfully completed this intensive training programme. We are especially proud that the graduating class comprises 26 women and 16 men, representing a healthy mix of youth and experienced adult farmers,” he said.
“This is the second group of farmers to be trained by the college this year, fulfilling Pillar Two of the Agricultural Education for Development 5.0 Curriculum, which focuses on Extension and Advisory Services.”
During the two-week programme, participants received practical training in poultry, piggery, dairy, beef and goat production, horticulture, mushroom production, farm structures and agribusiness management.
The graduates were drawn from Lupane, Gokwe, Bulawayo, Plumtree, Filabusi, Umzingwane, Gwanda, Masvingo, Zvishavane, Mberengwa and Beitbridge.
Mr Ncube said the programme supports the Second Republic’s thrust of modernising agriculture through knowledge transfer, innovation and commercialisation in line with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
“I am particularly encouraged by the strong participation of young people. Agriculture offers opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, employment and wealth creation. The knowledge and skills you have acquired will contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030, particularly under the Food Security and Nutrition Pillar,” he said.
He urged the graduates to apply the skills acquired during the course.
“I encourage you to put into practice the knowledge you have gained. Treat farming as a business, keep proper records and continue learning. The Look and Learn visits should inspire you to establish viable and profitable enterprises in your own communities,” said Mr Ncube.
Speaking at the same event, Esigodini Agricultural College principal Mr Farai Gomo, whose speech was delivered by a representative, said the curriculum was designed to equip farmers with practical and business-oriented skills.
“You have learnt about animal production and husbandry, crop and mushroom production, a skill that turns small spaces into income, as well as farm management and agribusiness because farming today is not just about planting.
It is about budgeting, marketing and running a farm like a business,” he said.
Mr Gomo said the college would continue supporting graduates through its extension and advisory services to ensure they implement best farming practices and improve productivity.
The short course dovetails with the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen agricultural extension services, promote commercialisation of smallholder farming and build resilient food systems capable of supporting national food security and rural economic development.
