Grab agric opportunities, youth urged

Mukudzei Chingwere

Herald Reporter

GOVERNMENT appreciates the central role of young people participating in agriculture and has pledged its full support as the youth strive to turn around the country’s agricultural fortunes.

These sentiments were expressed by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga in a speech read on his behalf by Agriculture, Land, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka when he officiated at the fourth edition of the National Young Champion Farmer Awards, last Friday.

In his speech VP Chiwenga said agriculture is a vital cog of the Zimbabwean economy as exemplified by the major role it plays in the country’s exports generation and overall gross domestic product.

To this end, Government has come up with several agricultural enhancing projects most of which are targeting the youths.

VP Chiwenga said young people should take advantage of these projects, come on board and lead the country’s agricultural revamping strategy under the agriculture and food systems strategy.

“Please continue to inspire your peers to take up the challenge to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation,” said VP Chiwenga through Minister Masuka.

“You are assured of Government support to realise your full potential and ensure that we become masters of our own destiny.

“Youths mainstreaming and empowerment across the length and breadth of the country is a clear reflection of the Second Republic’s resolve to ensure that His Excellency the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind is a reality.

“I therefore, urge the youths to take advantage of this programme (borehole drilling) and establish youth-managed nutritional gardens so that they can contribute to food security and nutrition,” said the Vice President.

The event recognised the contributions and achievements of young farmers and encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural fortunes.

The agricultural sector is one of the sectors expected to play a critical role in the country’s quest of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.