Lesso Group pledges tech support

Fidelis Munyoro Chief Reporter
A Chinese agriculture firm has pledged to work with the Government and local farmers to help turn around the fortunes of the country’s agriculture.

China Lesso Group, a Hong Kong stock exchange listed firm, deals in agriculture equipment, home equipment and PVC products.

The company’s five high-powered member delegation is in the country and yesterday visited Bonata Farm in Norton and Mon-Chris Farm in Chegutu.

At Bonata Farm, the delegation toured the raspberry green house, where drip irrigation is used. The production of the crop is facing a myriad of challenges including electricity for constant pumping of water.

The farm which is owned by Munyaradzi Mapara cannot afford adequate plastics used to make green houses. The berries are exported to China where there is a niche market.

At Mon-Chris farm they assessed the centre-pivot irrigation system.

The farm is owned by the Mutsvangwa family — Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa and her husband Chris.

Electricity and water supplies appeared to be a great challenge at the farm.

Speaking to journalists after touring the two farms, head of delegation Mr Tang Hai Bo said the country should adopt smart agriculture.

“We have noted that at Bonata Farm, they have problems with water systems and filtering system of the drip irrigation plus the necessary maintenance,” said Mr Tang.

“However, they have made a proposal for upgrading the whole system right now. We will see how we can work with them to improve the situation.”

At Mon-Chris Farm, Mr Tang said there was need to migrate to solar pumping.

“We are going to help them upgrade and provide the solution,” he said.

Mr Tang said the tour gave them an insight into the agriculture sector in the country.

“We realised that we can improve the agricultural output of this country.”

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement director Dr Conrade Zawe hailed the Chinese delegation for seeking ways to provide technical support.

“What we are doing is that we want to show them the system that we have in Zimbabwe so that we can find how we can work together to improve our farming.”

Dr Zawe said the Chinese visit will benefit the country.

Today, the delegation is expected to visit President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe.