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Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has many educated people who should be tasked with the responsibility of undertaking research and come up with new markets for the country’s agricultural products, an official has said.
Speaking at a food summit held in Bulawayo last week, Zimbabwe Investment Authority ZIA chairperson Nigel Chanakira said Zimbabwe should invest in agricultural research in order to not only attract investment but also discover new markets for its agricultural produce.
“Zimbabwe must use its educated populace to research and discover new markets for its agricultural produce,” he said.
Chanakira said there was also need to attract new investors in order to boost the economy.
He said if the country invests in research, it will be easy to increase productivity and discover new markets.
“The problem that Zimbabwe has is lack of investment and use of outdated technology. There is therefore a need keep up to date with technology which in turn will reduce the cost of production while at the same time boosting production,” said Chanakira.
He said the government and the private sector should work together to improve crop and seed varieties.
“We should work on improving farming technology to maximise yields as well as invest in agro-genetics to improve crop and seed varieties,” he said.
Chanakira said there was also a need to promote value addition so that farmers could derive maximum benefits from their produce.
He said on their part as the investment authority they will run training programmes to equip local farmers with agri-business and marketing skills.
“A series of road shows are being planned to train locals in agribusiness, packaging projects and negotiating with investors to attract more investment,” he said.
Chanakira said access to funds and joint ventures with foreign partners could unlock great opportunities for the country.
“Joint ventures with foreign partners can unlock much needed financial and technological support to local companies,” he said.
Chanakira said Zimbabwe has great potential to achieve food security and even produce surplus for export.
“If Israelis and the Arabs can produce fresh produce of excellent quality in the desert, why should we fail given the fact we have more favourable conditions including highly skilled personnel,” said Chanakira.
Online Reporter