Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
GWANDA South Member of Parliament Dr Omphile Marupi has challenged farmers to move away from subsistence farming and embrace commercial agriculture by producing for identified markets and treating farming as a business.
Speaking during the Market-Driven Horticulture and Small Stock Production Learning Day at Mapate Village in Ward 16, Dr Marupi, who is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said agriculture can only transform rural livelihoods if farmers adopt a market-oriented approach that prioritises planning, quality production and profitability.
The learning day, hosted by Mr Emmanuel Moyo, drew 164 participants, including 112 women and 52 men, highlighting growing interest in climate-smart and market-driven agriculture.
“Agriculture is business,” said Dr Marupi.
He urged farmers to produce with a known market in mind, warning that failure to plan for markets often results in oversupply, depressed prices and exploitation by middlemen.
“Produce with a known market in mind,” he said.
Dr Marupi encouraged farmers to work closely with Agricultural Extension Officers and Veterinary Services to improve productivity while strengthening producer associations to enhance collective bargaining and secure better prices for their produce.
He said organised marketing enables smallholder farmers to negotiate more favourable prices, access inputs and reduce exploitation by unscrupulous buyers.
The legislator also commended anti-stock theft committees for their efforts in tackling livestock rustling, which continues to affect many rural communities in Matabeleland South.
He said protecting livestock is essential for building sustainable small stock enterprises that contribute to household incomes and food security.
The learning day showcased successful examples of market-driven farming, with host farmer Mr Emmanuel Moyo demonstrating commercial horticulture on nearly one hectare of land planted with about 7 000 tomato plants, green peppers and green mealies.
The enterprise is expected to produce about 140 crates of tomatoes twice a week for supply to local communities, boarding schools and Gwanda Town.
Mr Moyo has also established a thriving Boer and Kalahari goat enterprise and rears indigenous Road Runner chickens, demonstrating the potential of diversified farming enterprises in semi-arid Matabeleland South.
Farmers from Wards 16, 17 and 19, as well as visitors from Bulawayo and Gwanda Town, participated in practical demonstrations focusing on improved production methods, enterprise management, value addition and market access.
The event reinforced the growing shift towards commercial agriculture as Government continues to encourage smallholder farmers to increase production, improve incomes and contribute to national food security and rural economic development.
