Lupane community urged to utilise agriculture extension officers

LUPANE community has been urged to fully utilise the services of agriculture extension officers in all agricultural activities as they impart expert advice that is key in ensuring food security.

Speaking in Daluka Ward 19 in Lupane East on Friday during a Constituency School Business Unit Ground-breaking Ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri stressed the importance of villagers working closely with extension officers.

Prof Jiri said extension officers play a pivotal role in reducing drought impact through advising farmers on best practices in the process ensuring food security.

He said all hands should be on deck to mitigate the effects of El Nino induced drought countrywide.

President Mnangagwa has since declared a nationwide State of Disaster due to the severe drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

“This year, we are faced with serious drought. As Government, we said let us monitor weather patterns and ensure what is cultivated should be in line with weather patterns of particular regions.

“For this region (Matabeleland North), we encourage small grains and our observation is that farmers and ordinary villagers are implementing that through adhering to extension officers’ advice,” said Prof Jiri.

“As Government, we applaud the work done by extension officers, it is commendable, “ he added.

Prof Jiri said despite the effects of drought, many people had prepared for El Nino. President Mnangagwa has declared the drought a state of disaster but stressed that no one will die of hunger.

“Food relief will be distributed countrywide. As the ministry, we should plan ahead to prevent falling victim to future droughts,” he said. He emphasised the importance of implementing Intwasa initiative.

Prof Jiri also touched on the importance of proper livestock care saying farmers should adhere to dipping regime.

“We should reduce livestock deaths. Therefore, due to water shortages, borehole drilling rigs should be deployed in needy areas so that livestock have access to water.

“Also, we are against veld fires that should not happen. Let’s preserve the pastures we have. We are in the process of converting food stock that is no longer fit for human consumption at all our Grain Marketing Board silos into stock feed.”

Speaking at the same event, Acting Chief Mabhikwa said boreholes in the constituency were fast running dry and there is a need for deepening of existing boreholes.