Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
Government has initiated the development of a National Soil Conservation Policy to ensure sustainable soil management and conservation.
The policy aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices, prevent soil erosion and degradation, and support climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during a workshop to review the Zero Draft of the National Soil Conservation Policy in the capital on Thursday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said soil conservation was vital in achieving food security and sustainable development.
“Careful soil management not only secures sustainable agriculture, it also provides a valuable lever for climate regulation and a pathway for safeguarding ecosystem services.
“Going forward, we are laying a firm foundation through implementing the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS). Vision 2030 beckons and is achievable.
“Soil conservation will contribute to the attainment of this vision through enhanced soil health and productivity.
“The philosophy ‘nyika inovakwa veneve vayo’ is clearly demonstrable in the agricultural sector, with the land reform programme forming the basis for sustainable agro-economic development,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the policy will provide a framework for coordinating efforts, setting standards, and guiding investments in soil conservation and management.
The development of the policy is in line with the Agriculture, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), which seeks to achieve a US$13.75 billion agriculture economy by 2025.
Online Reporter