Joint Ventures throw lifeline to young farmers

 

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

GOVERNMENT’S decision to authorise joint ventures between landowners and partners with capital has brought relief to young farmers, whose farms are now fully productive.

Once-vast open lands with grass and shrubs have transformed into lush green fields with various crops, thanks to Government’s progressive policy.

Idle and dilapidated infrastructure is being replaced with modern structures, including state-of-the-art tobacco curing barns and staff accommodation.

Mugomba Farm, located on the outskirts of Rusape, is a prime example.

Mr Joseph Mugomba and his partner have resuscitated operations, changing the face of the farm.
Prior to 2021, the farm was not very active, but it has since been given a new lease of life with the production of wheat, maize, and tobacco.

Mr Mugomba praised the joint venture for reviving his farm, and commended Government for issuing title deeds, which he believes will further boost farmers’ confidence to invest in their land.

“We would like to thank President Mnangagwa and Government for allowing landowners to partner with investors who have the capital to spearhead production. Our operations have improved significantly, and our infrastructure system has vastly improved, especially our tobacco curing system, which is now state-of-the-art.

“Due to our partnership, we have improved on many fronts, including infrastructure, equipment, and job creation. We have employed 130 full-time workers, and some of our employees have small plots where they grow their own crops using their salaries. We are also renting houses from neighbouring farms to accommodate our employees.

“In the ongoing tobacco marketing season, we have sold 112 000 kilogrammes to the auction floors. The introduction of the title deeds programme will further strengthen our resolve to invest in farm infrastructure, as we will be certain that our investments are secure,” said Mr Mugomba.

Workers at Mugomba Farm also testified to the transformative impact of joint ventures on their lives.

Mr Jackson Richard, the assistant farm manager, said that they are now leading decent lives, thanks to their earnings from the farm.

“Prior to the joint venture in 2021, production levels were low. However, things took a turn for the better when Mr Mugomba partnered with his investor. We are now fully utilising the 60-hectare farm, and production activities have enabled several families to lead decent lives. Our children are attending school, and we have a sense of security.

“The equipment and machinery on this farm make our work easier and more efficient. We are using the latest methods to cure tobacco, which is safer for workers. Our operations are expanding, and we are now farming on neighbouring farms,” he said.

Another young farmer, Mr Nkosana Chiringa (30), emphasised the benefits of combining landowners with those who have capital, as they share a common goal of producing for the country.

“Commercial agriculture requires significant funding, especially when starting out. Partnerships are the way forward. Currently, we are growing tobacco, maize, and horticultural crops,” he said.

Mr Chiringa began farming at the age of 21, after completing a degree in Agribusiness Management.

 

His father had acquired the farm, but soon realised that agriculture required specialised knowledge to succeed.

To address this, he sent his son to study Agribusiness Management.

The farm currently has 15 hectares of tobacco, five hectares of maize, and one hectare of tomatoes.
Mr Chiringa hopes to expand their operations in the coming years.

He encouraged young people to join the agriculture sector, emphasising its importance as the backbone of the country.

“Tobacco, for instance, has a growing market in China, with the number of smokers increasing every year. Globally, there are over a million new smokers annually. Regardless of the crop you choose, there will always be a ready market, whether locally or for export. People need food every day, and as young farmers, we must roll up our sleeves and increase production levels,” said Mr Chiringa.