Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AN agro-enterpreneur, Mr Tichaona Mapfoche, is basking in the success of a joint venture in farming, having managed to help him put over 600 hectares under winter wheat this year.
The Government of Zimbabwe has since challenged local farmers to embrace the joint venture initiative as a key to help unlock the country’s agricultural potential.
Mr Mapfoche entered into a joint venture partnership with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka accompanied by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo and Namibia’s Kavango East Region Governor, Mr Hambyuka Julius Hamunyeara, toured Mr Mapfoche’s Victory Farm in Mhangura on Wednesday to have an appreciation of the joint venture initiative and general crop status.
Governor Hamunyeara and a team from his region are currently in the province for the 78th Mashonaland West Agriculture Show underway in Chinhoyi.
Mr Mapfoche said through the scheme, he had surpassed his winter wheat targets.
“Through the ARDA joint venture model, we have managed to plant over 640 hectares across four farms. This partnership has brought in mechanisation, inputs, and expert support.
“The results are visible as we have recorded increased yields, job creation, and rural empowerment. Access to working capital was a nightmare for potential farmers, but now everything is in order,” Mr Mapfoche said.
Minister Masuka, said the ARDA joint venture scheme was transforming agriculture in the country.
He also revealed that the authority had since been capacitated to lead the scaling up of the strategic partnerships, helping the nation increase productivity from underutilised land, a key milestone in ensuring food security and economic growth.
“As a Government, we are deploying various strategies to transform the agricultural sector, from capacitating farmers and parastatals like ARDA to improving irrigation, mechanisation and market access. Joint ventures are proving to be a key tool in achieving our targets.
“Under mechanisation, we are expecting at least 700 tractors this year. At the same time, ARDA has been mandated to produce at least 500 tonnes of strategic grains each year through promoting irrigation across its estates,” he said.
Mashonaland West province, the country’s breadbasket, has increased its winter wheat production through ARDA’s joint ventures with a target to enhance production in the coming seasons amid revelations that vast land was lying idle.
“We have vast investment opportunities in agriculture, from crops to livestock and agro-processing in the province. We call upon investors to partner with the government and local farmers to unlock this potential.
“In terms of land, we have around 45 000 hectares of underdeveloped land which requires investments. Joint ventures are most welcome because they are promoting dual benefits to both the farm owner and investor,” said Minister Chombo.
Governor Hamunyeara said the relationship that exists between Zimbabwe and Namibia was going to help increase agricultural production in his country.
“The partnership between Kavango East and Mashonaland West provinces reflects our shared vision of empowering our communities and transforming our economies through sustainable agriculture.
“We also want to commend His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for championing a successful agricultural revolution in Zimbabwe, one that puts grassroots needs at the centre of development. His leadership continues to inspire the region and sets a strong example of people-driven progress,” Governor Hamunyeara said.
The province surpassed its target of 35,000 hectares for winter wheat this year with a 5.5 tonnage per hectare expected.
