Online Reporter
Post Reporter
SKILLS Audit and Development Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, last Friday officially opened the fifth edition of the Makoni Agricultural Show at Vengere Stadium in Rusape.
Addressing attendees, Minister Muswere said a lot has been achieved in the agricultural sector under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, including the establishment of five irrigation schemes in Makoni District.
The Minister also cited Government-led construction of dams and infrastructure development across the country. Projects he listed include Muchekeranwa Dam, Chiduku Irrigation Scheme (Romsley), Dzvairo Irrigation expansion, and GMB Timber Mills smart silos in Headlands, which he said are meant to curb post-harvest losses.
He added that the decentralisation of tobacco auction floors has supported farmers in Makoni by cutting the distance to market and contributing significantly to their savings.
Minister Muswere urged farmers to align their operations with policies and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.
He particularly emphasised embracing the climate-proofing Pfumvudza programme, noting that climate change is now a reality. He also hailed the introduction of agro-ecological tailoring as a game changer.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of skilling, upskilling and re-skilling to improve productivity.
The Dr Jenfan Muswere Foundation donated three bulls to top winners from Makoni South, Makoni West and Makoni North. The foundation also donated boar goats for winners, cellphones, and bicycles to the police to help curb livestock theft and support communities.
In addition, about 600 bags of cement were donated through ZANU PF structures and Agritex to repair dip tanks across the district.
